The hysterical Broadway musical, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”, opens April 26 for ten performances at 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays through May 18 and 3 pm Sundays May 5 and 12 at Aurora Community Theatre, 115 E. Pioneer Trail.
The Tony Award-winning Best Musical features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim with book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. Quick-witted and fast-paced, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” takes comedy back to its roots, combining age-old situations with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville.
Forum tells the story of the crafty slave, Pseudolus, who schemes to gain his freedom by winning the hand of the beautiful, but slightly obtuse courtesan, Philia, for his master, Hero.
Dave Stebbins directs Don Bernardo (Pseudolus), Jesse Roberts (Hero), Shelby Carlisle (Philia), and Thomas Love (Miles Gloriosus) in the plot full of twists, turns, mistaken identity, slamming doors and a showgirl or two.
Tim Shaffer is the music director with Amie W. Gabel, choreographer, and Marc C. Howard, producer, for this nonstop laugh-fest which also features Will C. Crosby (Hysterium), Brian Diehl (Senex), Karen Spiegler (Domina), Michael Guffey (Marcus Lycus), and Neil Rubin (Erronius)
Geneviève Adelman, Emily Fields, Katie Hintze, Diana Nabring, Alyssa Whiddon play the lovely courtesans, with proteans: Rollin DeVere III, Jeffrey Koudelka, Douglas R. Vanek.
Ann Nyenhuis is the stage manager/technical director with April Sike, assistant stage manager, Karen Cirino is in charge of costumes. Maggie Hamilton, designed the sound and Frankie Castrovillari, created the lighting.
Todd Plone designed the set, and Ann Nyenhuis led the construction crew which included: Joe Mira, Paul Mira, Ashley McCoy, Chris Hrach, Jerry Schaber, Craig McCloud, April Sike, Dave Nyenhuis, Linda Weinkamer, and Neil Rubin.
Craig Kollai serves as liaison to the ACT Board of Trustees. Marianne Gingras created the show image, and CPH Communications managed marketing and the box office.
Music director Shaffer will play the trumpet and conduct the orchestra featuring accompanist Dave Coxe on keyboard, David Betts, trombone, Josh Daum, percussion, Jonathan “Skip” Edwards, bass, with woodwinds performed by Ron Nelson, David Ciucevich and George Cyphers. Kristen Johnsten accompanied rehearsals.
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com.
Aurora Community Theatre’s 59th season continues with “Bonnie & Clyde” Jun. 28 – Jul. 13.
Tickets for all shows are available online anytime, including seat selection, at auroracommunitytheatre.com or by calling 330-562-1818.
