A Funny Thing …
Want to see me in a toga?
Playgoers, I bid you welcome. The theatre is a temple, and we are here to worship the gods of comedy and tragedy. Tonight I am pleased to announce a comedy. We shall employ every device we know in our desire to divert you.
Prologus — Opening, Act I
The first musical production of Chameleon’s Community Theatre (part of the Chameleon Theatre Circle) is Stephen Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The show opens Friday, October 28th at 7:30pm. All seven performances are staged at Kenwood Trail Junior High School in Lakeville, Minnesota.
A little about the show:
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.
Besides the fact that this is a humorous musical production, extra laughs are provided when you see me wearing a toga (part of my Roman soldier costume)! I am on stage for only a few brief moments, so you’ll have to keep your eyes out for me. My friend, Brad (the director), asked Lorine (a friend from the pit) and I to come out on stage to participate in a few comical bits. We agreed. And now we are having … an interesting time. (Wink and smile.) Actually, it is a lot of fun for me, since I haven’t been on stage since high school (1996). But, when not on stage, I will be performing as a member of the pit orchestra (trombone!).
The cast, crew and orchestra work well together. Many of us have staged other theatrical productions together, so a bond quickly forms (especially among the actors) during rehearsals. I, myself, have done two previous musicals with TC2: Jesus Christ Superstar; and Into the Woods. This connection strengthens and enhances all aspects of the performance to the Nth degree. Anyway, enough ranting and raving. Do come and see the performance!