The show kicks off the 2010-11 MainStage Series of the resident theatre in Southwestern Ontario. The entertainment includes selections from the musicals Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum and more (with songs by Sondheim) as well as the classics he wrote lyrics for with musical theatre giants Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne and Richard Rodgers (West Side Story, Do I Hear a Waltz?).

Director Valerie Moore said in a statement, "If this is your first or 31st time taking the journey into these wonderful songs, listen closely and enjoy the craft, the wit and the great heart through the talent of this music theatre genius."

The Grand is one of many companies around the world celebrating the 80th birthday of Stephen Sondheim.

Performances play to Nov. 6. Opening night is Oct. 23.

The production team includes musical director Mark Camilleri; set and costume designer David Boechler; lighting designer Jock Munro; sound designer Jim Neil; stage manager Robert Harding; assistant stage manager Lani Martel; apprentice stage manager Suzanne McArthur. Dora Award winner Moore appeared in three seasons with the Shaw Festival, six with the Charlottetown Festival, plus the Toronto company of Hairspray and the national tour of Les Miserables.

Ranney's credits include the Shaw Festival's A Little Night Music, Mack and Mabel, Tristan, The Constant Wife, Happy End, Floyd Collins, Three Men on a Horse, The Coronation Voyage, Merrily We Roll Along, Easy Virtue, She Loves Me and A Foggy Day.

Torontow was Link Larkin in Toronto's Hairspray and appeared in the ensemble of Mamma Mia! in the U.S. national tour. He was a featured singer in Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage in Toronto.

Wright's credits include Jersey Boys (original Canadian cast), Mamma Mia! (original American cast), Lord of the Rings (world premiere), Napoleon (world premiere) and six seasons with the Stratford Festival.

For information, visit ww.grandtheatre.com.