Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart

  Directed by James P. Birder
Musical Direction by Dudley Birder
Choreography by Alicia Birder

Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!”   Broadway’s greatest farce is light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent and one of the funniest musicals ever written – the perfect escape from life’s troubles.  A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from time-tested, 2000 year-old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville.  The result is a non-stop laugh-fest in which a crafty slave (Pseudolus) struggles to win the hand of a beautiful but slow-witted courtesan (Philia) for his young master (Hero), in exchange for freedom.

With its unforgettable zany characters, a hysterical, perfectly constructed book, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum allows a brilliant ensemble of comedic actions to shine.  (The lead role of Pseudolus is one of the theatre’s greatest roles – a tour de force for a clown p ar excellence played on Broadway by both Zero Mostel and Nathan Lane .

Forum calls for a cast of 11 men and 8 women as suggested below:

Adult character roles:

            Pseudolus – middle-aged, leading role, slave to Hero
            Hystarium – middle-aged slave to Senex and Domina
            Senex – an old man
            Domina – Senex’s wife who aptly keeps him under her thumb
            Lycus – a buyer and seller of courtesans
            Erronius – absent minded and keeper of the secrets of Rome
            Miles Gloriosus – a handsome and awesome warrior
            The Romantic Couple:
                        Hero – Senex’s son in love with Philia
                        Philia – a lovely virgin (often referred to as “modest maiden”)
            The Proteans – three young men (aged 16-30) who can sing, move, act – important and very busy utility roles

            The Courtesans – six lovely ladies all whom appear in featured solo dances.
                             Their names:  Tintinabula, Panacea, Vibrata, Gymnasia and The Geminate (Twins) describe their personalities

Audition Procedure:
            Those auditioning should perform a short vocal selection.  An accompanist will be provided.  Prepared CD or tape accompaniment is also acceptable.

            Readings will utilize the Forum script.

            Those auditioning for dancing roles (particularly the roles of the Courtesans) should wear appropriate shoes.

Rehearsal and Performance Schedule:
Rehearsals will be held Monday - Friday evenings from 7:00-10:00 pm, beginning June 9
Tech Rehearsal:  Sunday, July 13 (12:30 pm)
Dress Rehearsals:  July 14-15-16 (7:00 pm)
Performances:  July 17 (8:00); July 18, 22, 23, 24, 25 (7:30 pm); July 27 (3:00 pm)

Tech Crew Information:

Sets:                A unit set will be employed with several fly pieces. Consequently a large run crew will be needed.

Props:              Props will be fabricated.  A small crew is needed to design and build simple props and work backstage.

Costumes:      Darrell Wagner will serve as Costume Coordinator.  Costumes will be rented.
                         A crew will be needed to assist backstage as emergency sewers, fitters and dressers.

Lighting:         Light board and follow spot operators will be very busy as they execute Greg Kaye’s lighting designs.

Make Up:       Lois Gegare will again be in charge of hair, wigs and make up. She will need a large make up and hair crew.

Run Crew:       A large run crew is essential to facilitate shifting and prop and scenic execution.  The run crew is the heart of each
                         performance.  Come to auditions and sign up.