Piedmont alum Chey Osoria (top) and Piedmont students Aubrey Pete and Will Atkins are featured in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” (photo/Jessica Eves)
North Georgia Theatre at Piedmont College is proud to present a Stephen Sondheim musical comedy favorite, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, June 28-30 and July 1.
Based on ancient Roman playwright Plautus’ farces Pseudolus, Miles Gloriosus, and Mostellaria, the musical tells the outrageous story of a Roman slave named Pseudolus and his wild attempts to obtain his freedom from the unhappy couple, Senex and Domina. He sees his chance by helping his young master, Hero, gain the attention of the mysterious girl next door, Philia. There is one problem: Philia is a courtesan from the House of Marcus Lycus already owned by Miles Gloriosus. Pseudolus proposes a deal with Hero: If he helps the young master to wed the girl, he gains his freedom. This hilarious ancient tale is chock full of mistaken identity, slapstick humor, and social commentary.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is directed by Kathy Blandin with musical direction by Piedmont alumnus Ben Rikeman and choreographed by Bill Gabelhausen. Blandin has worked to freshen up the ancient comedy.
“Written in the early 60’s, [the show] includes many stereotypical characters, especially the female characters,” said Blandin. “For this production we are turning these stereotypes on their head by making it obvious that actors are performing gender stereotypes. So, you will see women choosing to be sexy and also choosing to be assertive. You will see men choosing to be very demure and choosing to be domineering. This is all in an effort to help the characters get what they want.”
Performances will be June 28-30 at 7:30 pm and July 1 at 2 pm in the Swanson Center Black Box Theater. General Admission tickets are $10, while Piedmont College faculty, students, and staff are free.
Tickets may be ordered by calling our Box Office at (706)778-8500 ext. 1355 or going online to www.piedmont.edu/theatre-schedule.
