"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

Description

Award-winning Foothill Music Theatre (FMT) presents A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum July 23–Aug. 9 in the Smithwick Theater. The classic Broadway musical features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Larry Gelbart and Burt Shevelove. FMT’s production is co-directed by Foothill College Music Instructor Milissa Carey and Michael Ryken, with musical direction by Katie Coleman. The production contains mature themes, and may not be appropriate for those under age 13.

“This show is laugh-out-loud funny, whether you’re in ancient Rome or 21st century Silicon Valley,” Carey says. “And, it’s Sondheim! If you’re a fan of musical theatre or a student studying this art form, you need to experience Sondheim’s masterful lyrics, music and storytelling live. This is the same artist who gave us treasures like Into the Woods, Sweeny Todd, West Side Story, Gypsy, Sunday in the Park with George and Company, to name a few. If you’ve enjoyed any of these shows, see Forum… to experience the magic that Sondheim, who many consider the most important lyricist of the 20th century, creates for his audiences.”

For the FMT production of Forum…, Carey and Ryken have created a fresh take that features brassy, jazzy orchestration, and a dynamic pace. “We’re using the best possible work that we can deliver—every note, every line, every costume stitch, every light bulb, every detail—to share this classic story with you,” Carey says.

Inspired by the farces of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus, the bawdy musical tells the story of the slave Pseudolus, who hopes to win his freedom by pairing off his master with a neighborhood beauty. It’s that unique combination of great storytelling, great music and great fun. It’s irreverent, bawdy and belongs in the pantheon of great American musical theatre. Forum… capitalizes on old-fashion farce and slapstick comedy, and will give you the opportunity to spend two hours with maidens and courtesans and the senators and slaves who love them.

Renown for its high standards, FMT productions deliver award-winning talent considered by many to be the best in the Bay Area. In addition to outstanding vocal and acting talent, FMT shows like Forum… offer sumptuous costumes, set designs, music, sound and lighting that complement each performance, giving the audience the rare opportunity to luxuriate in a high-quality live theatre experience.

FMT’s Forum… features Tomas Theriot as Pseudolus, Ray D’Ambrosio as Marcus Lycus, Mike Meadors as Hysterium, Scotty Shoemaker as Miles Gloriosus, Anthony Stephens as Hero, Jenifer Tice as Domina, Jessica Whittemore as Philia, and Todd Wright as Senex. The show’s ensembles includes Vanessa Alvarez, Evelyn Chan, Sarah Hammer, Sara-Grace Kelly, Cami Jackson and Kay Thornton as courtesans, Sam Cori and Leslie Newport as eunuchs, Jason Engleman, Marc Gonzalez, and Kevin Reid as proteans, and Fredric Lagerbald and Sam Nachison as soldiers.

FMT’s Forum… runs July 23–Aug. 9. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets ($12–$32) online at foothill.edu/theatre/tickets.php or by phone at (650) 949-7360.

Parking Lots 1 and 8 provide the best access to the theatre. Purchase permit for $3 at dispensers in any student lot. Dispensers accept credit/debit cards, one-dollar bills and quarters; bring exact change.

More Info

Link

http://www.foothill.edu/theatre/current.php

Call

(650) 949-7360 (Box Office)