"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

“Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!” For the next two weeks, comedy is exactly what you’ll find at Newnan Theatre Company (NTC). “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” which premiered August 17, will continue this weekend and run through September 3 at the Coweta theatre.
 
Larry Gelbart (of “M.A.S.H.” and “City Of Angels” fame) and Burt Shevelove constructed the musical farce by combining 2,000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus with classic vaudeville. Stephen Sondheim’s witty songs add just the right irreverent touch. “Forum’s” Broadway run featured Zero Mostel in 1962 and was revived in 1996 with Nathan Lane in the title role.
 
The multi-faceted storyline centers around Pseudolus, a crafty slave, as he struggles to win the hand of the beautiful but slow-witted courtesan Philia for his young master Hero; Pseudolus hopes to win his freedom by achieving this feat.
 
NTC’s “Forum” director Rebecca Clark said, “Think Monty Python in ancient Rome—with music!” She added that the show “has been an incredible collaboration of creativity with cast and crew.” The crew includes Rachael Shaw as choreographer, Susan Patterson as assistant director, Lynn Sovik as assistant to the assistant director, Terri Morrison as stage manager and Laurel Alford as lighting director.
 
“Forum” is a true ensemble piece and has a large cast whose talents range from acting and singing to dancing and comedy. The play features Dave Dorrell as Pseudolus, Mary Anna Hendley as Philia and Justin Thompson as Hero. The rest of the cast includes Leah Cleary (Protean); Caren Comeans (Tintinabula); Mark Davies (Miles Gloriosus); Jennifer Dorrell (Domina); Tequila Herring (Protean); Samuel Knight (Gemini); Glennise Matthews (Gemini); Joseph Moore (Protean); Rick Olsen (Senex); Annie Patterson (Vibrata); Lamar Payne (Hysterium); Laura Prout (Panacea); Rachael Shaw (Gymnasia); Corey Thompson (Protean); and Murray Weed (Erronius). The role of Marcus Lycus will be shared between Dave Hanson (who appeared on August 19) and Bert Lyons, September 2.
                                                                                               
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” a Main Stage show, will run August 25, 26 and 27 and Sept 1, 2 and 3. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:30 p.m.
 
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens. Newnan Theatre Company, located at 24 First Avenue in Newnan, is handicapped accessible. NTC now accepts Visa and MasterCard ticket payments by phone or at the box office. For reservations, season tickets and more info, call 770-683-6282, email nctc@numail.org or visitwww.newnantheatre.com.