by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Directed by Bob Cook Musical Direction by Timothy D. Turner Production by Sands Theater Center Mainstage of DeLand, Florida
Performances on September 12, 13, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 @ 8 p.m. 14, 21, 28 @ 2:30 p.m.
All Performances at Sands Theater Center of the Cultural Arts Center in DeLand, Florida
"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.
Broadway's greatest farce is light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent and one of the funniest musicals ever written. 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.
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum is a non-stop laugh-fest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful but slow-witted courtesan named Philia, for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors, and a showgirl or two.
This unforgettable, hysterical musical allows a terrific ensemble of comedic actors to shine--"something for everyone, a comedy tonight!"
Prologus Introduces the audience to the comedy they are about to see. (Same actor who portrays Pseudolus in Act 1 and Senex in Act 2). Gender: male Age: 30 to 50 Vocal range top: A4 Vocal range bottom: A2
Senex An old man and father to Hero and husband to Domina. Gender: male Age: 45 to 70 Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: B2
Domina Senex's wife. A shrewish woman who dominates to the point of answering herself the questions she asks of others. Loves her husband deep down, but is outwardly controlling, demanding, and manipulative. Gender: female Age: 40 to 50 Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: B3
Hero The young son of Senex and Domina. He falls in love with Philia and agrees to give Pseudolus his freedom if he can help Hero woo her. Practical, privileged, romantic. Gender: male Age: 20 to 30 Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: B2
Hysterium The chief slave in the House of Senex. Believes he is in control, but is actually Pseudolus' puppet to carry out his schemes. Anxious, conservative, loyal. He desperately wants everything to be in order. Gender: male Age: 40 to 55 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: D4
Pseudolus A Roman slave, owned by Hero, who seeks to win his freedom by helping his young master win the heart of Philia. Quick-witted, scheming, childlike spirit. Gender: male Age: 30 to 50 Vocal range top: A4 Vocal range bottom: A2
Erronius An old man, searching for his lost children. Gender: male Age: 45 to 70 Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: B2
Miles Gloriosus The archetype of the braggart soldier. A captain in the Roman army to whom Marcus Lycus has promised Philia. Commanding, boastful, manly and strong. Gender: male Age: 25 to 35 Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: B3
Lycus The owner of the house of Courtesans. Always out to make a profit, but also wants to provide good on what his business offers. Gender: male Age: 40 to 50 Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: A3
Philia A virgin in the House of Lycus whom we also find out is Erronius' daughter. She is promised to Miles and vows to give him bodily what he has paid for, but loves Hero and promises he will always have her heart. Young, pretty, devoted. An archetypal ingénue. Gender: female Age: 18 to 21 Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: B3