CAST Presents 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' Through Sept. 23

09/18/2012

CAST steps off on a comedic foot September 13 - 23 when it presents the hysterical musical A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM as the first show of its 2012-13 season.

Inspired by the farces of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus, the musical tells the bawdy story of a slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. In this case, the house next door just happens to be a brothel with the girl-next-door freshly sold to a glamorous warrior.

Yet the emphasis is on comedy, and the tale is told amidst much farcical humor (door slamming, mistaken identity, a good dose of puns) set to the music and lyrics of the legendary Stephen Sondheim.

The show, which also benefitted from a script by M.A.S.H. sitcom creator Larry Gelbart and Bert Shevelove, went on to win several Tony Awards during its first run, including Best Musical and Best Book. Although 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of this classic comedy, the show remains wildly popular with theatre audiences across the country and was last seen on Broadway in a successful 1996 revival starring Nathan Lane.

Former Oxford resident and Jacksonville State University Theatre major Cody Harrell takes over for Mr. Lane in this CAST production, which also stars Jason Wright, Glenn Davenport, Heather Garlick, Denise Davis, Mikey Turner, Scott Whitney, Tony Ivey and David Rice among a hilarious troupe of proteans and courtesans.

The show is directed by CAST Artistic Director Kimberley Dobbs with musical direction by JSU Drama Professor Eric Traynor.

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM will be presented September 13 - 23 at the McClellan Theatre, 100 Gamecock Drive, Anniston, AL.

Show times are 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 military and seniors and $10 for students. Group rates are available for parties of 12 or more. All Thursday night productions at CAST are offered for "Pay-What-You-Want" admission.

Call 256-820-CAST or visit castalabama.com for more information.