A seasoned cast and crew will mount “A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to the Forum.”
For Bradford Little Theatre, Andrew Ryne Dutko is directing the musical comedy called “Broadway’s greatest farce.”
“The combined experience of this cast and crew promises giggles, chuckles and comedy galore,” said Dutko of the 17 actors, ages 18 to 70. There are chase scenes, mistaken identities, pratfalls and double entendres, he said, but no vulgar language or violence.
With book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, the fast-paced musical will be presented at Bradford Area High School auditorium at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 and 21 and 2 p.m. Oct. 22. Stephen Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics for the show, a cross between vaudeville and classic comedies by ancient Roman playwright Plautus.
Tickets are now on sale for $15 each at the Bradford Little Theatre website, www.bradfordlittletheatre.org. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Songs include “Comedy Tonight” and “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid.”
The original 1962 Broadway run garnered several Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Author; it was made into a successful film starring Zero Mostel. There have been a number of revivals; every actor who has opened in the role of Pseudolous on Broadway has won a Best Leading Actor Tony Award, including Mostel, Phil Silvers and Nathan Lane.
Set in ancient Rome, the show follows the antics of crafty household slave Pseudolus (Paul A. Nelson) as he tries to gain his freedom by winning the hand of the lovely but dimwitted and virginal courtesan Philia for his master, Hero. Alexia Catalone portrays Philia and Austin Reese plays Hero.
Nick Youngs plays Hero’s father, the hen-pecked Senex; Debi Baker plays Hero’s overbearing mother, Domina. The panicky head slave of the Senex household and unwilling accomplice to Pseudolous, Hysterium, is played by Mike Staley.
Bailey Fedak plays Iris Lycus, owner of the courtesan house. Courtesans are Louissa Brandt as the imposing Gymnasia; Shelley Greene as belly-dancing Tintinabula; Khadijah Thomas as gymnastic Vibrata; and Bonnie Leposa and Bella Winslow as the synchronized Geminae.
Joe Fitz takes the stage as Miles Gloriosus, a braggart captain in the Roman Army who has come to claim Philia as his bride. Diane Kerner Arnett portrays Erronius, a befuddled old person who has been searching 20 years for her two children kidnapped by pirates.
All the other roles in the show – citizens, sailors, eunuchs and soldiers – are played by the hilarious duo of Brianna Coder and Arick D. Close as the quick-change Proteans.
Dutko, who is vocal director for ‘Forum’ as well, also praises his veteran production team, which includes Tiffany Mager as producer; Diane Smith, orchestra leader; Janette McClure, stage manager; Nanci K. Garris, sets and costumes; Arnett, props; and Greene, choreography.
Tickets are now on sale for $15 each at the Bradford Little Theatre website, www.bradfordlittletheatre.org. Tickets will also be available at the door. The show is presented by special arrangement with Musical Theatre International, New York City, and MTIShows.com.
For further information, check the BLT Facebook page or website.
