A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Forum

TAKE a trip back through time and laugh yourself silly at Melville Theatre this month with the farce A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.

 

Inspired by the farces of ancient Roman playwright Plautus (251-183BC), the Sondheim musical was originally produced on Broadway in 1962 where it won several Tony Awards.

 

The musical, directed by Lars Jensen, tells the story of Roman slave Pseudolus who yearns for his freedom, while his young master pines for the girl next door.

 

In exchange for his freedom, Pseudolus promises to find a way to unite the two young lovers but, as always, the course of true love never runs smooth, paving the way for many humorous moments and a twist in the tale.

 

Jensen said the title of the show stems from a line often used by vaudeville comedians in music hall shows of yesteryear, as they announced: “A funny thing happened on the way to the theatre…”

 

Jensen has assembled a talented cast for the Melville Theatre production, including Ross Bryant, Phil Mackenzie, Diana Ryman, Morgan Phillips, Craig Menner, Kimberley Harris, Emmet Nichols, Harry Lenthall, Judith Clark, Niquelle May, Barbara Lovell, Tarryn Bullock, Vicki Kirkman, Stuart Riches, Andrew Milne, Jeff Hansen and Warren McGrath.

 

Musical direction comes from David Hardie with choreography by Rachel Leonhardt.

 

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum plays at 8pm, April 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 with 2pm matinees on April 11 and 18.

 

Tickets are $20, $15 concession – book on 9330 4565 or email melville.theatre.company@gmail.com