What do you get when you combine the plots of the plays of Plautus, written 2000 years ago, with music and lyrics from Stephen Sondheim and a script from one of the creators of “M*A*S*H?” You get one seriously funny and farcical musical that has tickled the funny bones of audiences for generations.
“A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” focuses on a crafty slave named Pseudolus trying to win the hand of a beautiful but slow-witted courtesan (Philia) for her young master (Hero) in exchange for freedom. Mistaken identities, chases and an honest scramble to produce a happy ending for the protagonists propel the cast through this madcap musical.
The cast and crew have worked tirelessly to put the show up in record time. They have created a beautiful set and dozens of costumes and frenetically worked to perfect the frenzied pacing of the farce.
Leading the cast is Diane Mitchell as Pseudolus. She is joined by Missy Gossett (Hysterium), Jason Lindsey (Hero), Haley DeVaney (Philia), Jennifer Waldman (Domina), Jared Wright (Senex), Boone Smith (Erronius), David Stephens (Marcus Lycus) and David Azzarello (Miles Gloriosus). Courtesans and Proteans are played by Amanda Lindsey, Amy DeVaney, Sabine Scholz, Matthew Thornton, David Smith and Jill Lucas.
Wright and Scholz are the directors of the show, while Stephens is on keyboards and is the conductor of the orchestra. The orchestra features Bill Dyson on bass, tuba and trumpet, Bob Schwartz on trombone and keyboard and Adam Wolfe on percussion and drums. Megan Martin is the stage manager.
“A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” opens tomorrow and runs Fridays-Sundays through May 13. Tomorrow’s performance is the opening night gala. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $14 in advance and $15 at the door for opening weekend and $16 in advance and $17.50 at the door all other weekend. Children 12 and under are $8 for all shows.
For more info, to purchase tickets, or to make reservations,visit www.STGplays.com or call 770-969-0956.
