The Photograph: Waynesboro Players - A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

"Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!" Waynesboro Players announce the cast of its production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. Forum is light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent and one of the funniest musicals ever written.

Bob Wright (who was last seen as “The King” in last year’s musical, Big River) revives his 1988 role as Pseudolus, the crafty slave who is attempting to gain his freedom. Barbara Spilman Lawson is also bringing Domina, the domineering wife of Senex, back to the Players’ stage. Brian Holsopple (Big River’s “Duke”) is Senex, the master of the house. Colton Berry (“Huck Finn” in Big River) completes their family as Hero, the handsome, innocent son who is in love with Philia, a beautiful courtesan played by Alecia Brooks. Duane Hahn is also reviving his earlier role as Hysterium, slave to Domina and Senex. Michael Waltz (our guest actor from Chicago, IL) is cast as Lycus, the buyer and seller of courtesans and Chris Ruble portrays the self-important and pompous captain, Miles Gloriosus. Jay Rhodes, new to Waynesboro Players, is cast as Erronius, an old man desperately searching for his children who were stolen in infancy by pirates.

Erin Hart, Nancy Houseknecht, Donna Rousseau, Leslie Rueff, Sarah Sanders and Barbara Wimblel play the lovely and enchanting courtesans. Joe Bruce, Jake Frank, J. D. Kiser and Benjamin Wilkins are the versatile and zany Proteans.

Duane Hahn and Barbara Spilman Lawson are the co-directors. Brian Holsopple is Music Director and Don Roe is the Music Coordinator and Orchestra Director. Co-producers are June Hall and Becky Price. Performance dates are May 10, 11, 12, 2007 at 8 pm and May 13, 2007 at 2 pm at Spilman Auditorium, Waynesboro High School. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for students and are available online at www.waynesboroplayers.org.

"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. Meanwhile, Pseudolus has to outsmart Hero's parents (Domina and Senex), the slave-master (Lycus), and the general (Miles Gloriosus) who has already paid for Philia. Also, an old man (Erronious) is desperately searching for his lost children.

With its unforgettable zany characters, a hysterical, perfectly constructed book by Larry and Burt Shevelove, and witty Stephen Sondheim songs, “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” allows a brilliant ensemble of comedic actors to shine.

CAST LIST for FORUM

Pseudolus.............Bob Wright
Senex...................Brian Holsopple
Domina.................Barbara Spilman Lawson
Hero.....................Colton Berry
Hysterium.............Duane Hahn
Lycus....................Michael Waltz
Miles Gloriosus.....Chris Ruble
Philia....................Alecia Brooks
Erronius................Jay Rhodes
Vibrata.................Sarah Sanders
Gymnasia.............Nancy Houseknecht
Gemini..................Erin Hart
Gemini..................Donna Rousseau
Panacae...............Leslie Rueff
Tintinabula...........Barbara Wimble
Protean................Joe Bruce
Protean................Jake Frank
Protean................J. D. Kiser
Protean................Benjamin Wilkins