BY SANTI GABINO JR.
Step right up, folks, and prepare yourselves for an uproarious journey through the zany world of Stephen Sondheim’s classic masterpiece A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, playing at the Athens Theatre in DeLand from Friday, March 1, through Sunday, March 24.
With a cacophony of colorful characters, witty repartee and toe-tapping tunes, it’s a whirlwind of mischief, merriment, farce and frivolity.
At its heart, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a celebration of the absurdities of life, spun with Sondheim’s signature wit and charm. Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, the plot unfurls like a comedic tapestry, weaving together the misadventures of Pseudolus, a crafty servant with dreams of freedom, and a motley crew of characters embroiled in a hilariously tangled web of love, mistaken identities and outrageous schemes.
This all-star cast features a bevy of familiar faces you know and love! Noah Clark (Shrek in Shrek TYA) portrays the charismatic and quick-witted narrator Pseudolus, a character made most famous by Nathan Lane and Whoopi Goldberg on Broadway.
Christopher de Jongh (most recently seen as Paul Sheldon in our stellar production of Stephen King’s Misery) plays Hysterium, Sheradin Jansen (Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein and Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime) embodies Philia, the love interest of Hero, and Hero is played by Trevor Spence (Tom Jenkins in Scrooge, The Musical and Buddy the Elf in Elf ).
Michael Funaro (most recently JD in Escape to Margaritaville and Scrooge in Scrooge, The Musical) is Senex. Christie Young (Poppy in Noises Off, Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein, Regina in Rock of Ages) is Domina. Thomas Muniz (Daddy Warbucks in Annie, Col. Mustard in Clue, among others) portrays Erronius.
Danny Sanchez (William Barfee in the 25th Annual… Spelling Bee) plays Marcus Lycus, the flamboyant procurer of courtesans. Ryan Blagg (Igor in Young Frankenstein, Leaf Coneybear in the 25th Annual… Spelling Bee, Mike in White Christmas) portrays Miles Gloriosus. They make a knockout cast of imperial proportions!
Tara Kromer directs this riotous Roman revelry. Jacob Eaddy choreographs the thunderous dance numbers, which roar like the sound of a thousand chariots.
Through her dazzling creations, resident Athens Theatre costume designer Tamara Marke-Lares transports audiences to the majestic world of this long-ago civilization. Katy Monthei designs this playful and terrifically towering set.
What sets Sondheim’s masterpiece apart is its ability to transcend time and captivate audiences of all ages. Since 1962, Forum has proved itself to be a timeless classic that speaks to the ageless truths of human nature — the pursuit of love, the quest for freedom, and the comedic intricacies of life.
With its irreverent humor and infectious energy, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a rollicking good time. It’s a joyous celebration and a carnival of chaos where anything — and I mean anything — goes!
In this tangle of togas, mistaken identities abound, lovers pine and plot, and mayhem reigns supreme, as Pseudolus navigates a labyrinth of schemes and subterfuge, all in the name of liberty and a chance at love.
So, don your togas, grab your laurel wreaths, and get ready to take part in an unforgettable evening of laughter and merriment.
Be sure to join us on opening night for our complimentary champagne toast! Also, take note of our special audio-described performance Sunday, March 10, and our ASL English-interpreted performance Friday, March 15, ensuring this festival of fun is available to all.
In the world of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, anything is possible — and everything is hilarious! After all, in the immortal words of Stephen Sondheim himself, “Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!” Rome wasn’t built in a day; come find out why!
For tickets and more information, visit www.AthensDeLand.com or call the box office at 386-736-1500.
