The stage is set for the Malaga-born actor and director, Antonio Banderas, to present his second musical at the Soho CaixaBank theatre in the city.

Company, the Stephen Sondheim classic, will open on 17 November and will remain on the bill at least until March.

Banderas will, once again, take on the leading role and direct the show, this time with the support of his daughter Stella Banderas as assistant director.

The first release of tickets, through until 30 December, are already on sale.

Sophisticated

The actor opened the doors to members of the press during one of his rehearsals. "This is what we do every morning," he said as singers warmed up their voices before belting out one of the main themes musical comedy scored by Stephen Sondheim, winner of eight Tony Awards, a Pulitzer and an Oscar.

Set in New York, Company explores human relationships and behaviours through different encounters between Bobby (Antonio Banderas) and his friends.

Banderas said it will be a "sophisticated" production that will make use of new technologies but without losing the "theatrical flavour" with simple staging.

Captain of the ship

Up to 18 actors, dancers and singers and an orchestra of 26 musicians make up the company, which is led by Arturo Díez Boscovich and Mamen Márquez as vocal coach and assistant director. The two took the floor to praise the "enthusiasm” of Banderas, the "captain of the ship”.

"It is contagious," acknowledged the director of the Soho Pop Symphony orchestra.