About the Show
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
and a book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart
Based on the comedies of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus

"Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!" 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.

With its unforgettable zany characters, a hysterical, perfectly constructed book by Larry Gelbart (of “MASH” and “City Of Angels” fame) and Burt Shevelove, and witty Stephen Sondheim songs which are modest n their vocal demands, “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” allows a brilliant ensemble of comedic actors to shine.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was made into a film in 1966 directed by Richard Lester with Zero Mostel, Jack Gilford, Buster Keaton, a very young Michael Crawford and Phil Silvers (who also starred in a critically well-received Broadway revival in 1972). It was also revived with great success in 1996 with Nathan Lane as Pseudolus, replaced later in the run by Whoopi Goldberg, and also David Alan Grier.



Tickets and Location
Entry is FREE but we are asking each person to consider a $5 donation
On the Stage at Veterans Park on Elm Street in Manchester NH

Friday July 21st
Saturday July 22nd
Friday  July 28th
Saturday July 29th
*All shows will start at 8:30pm
Remember to "Bring a Chair" for the show!

This is the second annual outdoor summer Theatre In The Park production for New Thalian Players. Last year's GREASE was a huge success and was named one of NH's BEST SHOWS of 2005 by HippoPress!



Directed by Billy Butler
Stage Managed by Carey Cahoon

CAST LIST
Pseudolus............................................ Brett Mallard
Miles Gloriosus..................................... Dave Cote
Domina................................................ Anne Orio
Erronius............................................... John Heroux
Senex.................................................. Russ Rattray
Lycus................................................... Michael Curtis
Philia.................................................... Beca Shimkin
Hero..................................................... Jeff Caron
Hysterium............................................. David Hickman
Courtesans........................................... Tintinabula, Bridgette Doucette
Panacea............................................... Anne Dufault
The Geminae........................................ Rachel Coffin & Amanda Coffin
Vibrata................................................. Kim Miracle
Gymnasia............................................ Ariane Smith
Proteans.............................................. Chris Citorek
John Chambers
Carryl Hauser

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

    * Pseudolus:   A sneaky slave and playful prankster who desperately wants his freedom.

    * Miles Gloriosus:   An arrogant but strong warrior.

    * Domina:   Dominating wife of Senex and ruler of the house.

    * Erronius:   A feeble old man searching for his son and daughter who were stolen by pirates.

    * Senex:   And old man who is married to Domina and the father of Hero.

    * Lycus:   The gullible buyer and seller of courtesans.

    * Philia:   A lovely but air-headed courtesan from Crete who belongs to the House of Lycus.

    * Hero:   Pseudolus’s handsome, innocent, and kind master who is in love with Philia.

    * Hysterium:   The fervent leader of the slaves and pal to Pseudolus.

    * Courtesans:  Occupants of the House of Lycus, Tintinabula, Panacea, The Geminae (twins), Vibrata, Gymnasia

    * Proteans:   Greek-like chorus, on stage frequently in a variety of roles and disguises, physical and active roles.

Character Descriptions on StageAgent.com
Plot Summary on MTIShows.com


Songs
"Comedy Tonight"--Pseudolus and Company
"Love, I Hear"--Hero
"Free"--Pseudolus and Hero
"The House of Marcus Lycus"--Lycus and Pseudolus
"Lovely"--Philia and Hero
"Pretty Little Picture"--Pseudolus, Hero, and Philia
"Everybody Ought to Have a Maid"--Pseudolus, Senex, Lycus, and Hysterium
"I'm Calm"--Hysterium
"Impossible"--Senex and Hero
"Bring Me My Bride"--Miles Gloriosus and Company
"That Dirty Old Man"--Domina
"That'll Show Him"--Philia
"Lovely" (reprise)--Psedolus and Hysterium
"Funeral Sequence"--Pseudolus, Miles Gloriosus and Company
"Finale"--Company

Note: The songs "Love, I Hear", "Free", "The House of Marcus Lycus", "Pretty Little Picture", "I'm Calm", "Impossible", "That Dirty Old Man" and "That'll Show Him" were all cut from the film.



Production Staff
Producer:  Wendy Trommer
Co-Producer: Beth Ann O'Hara
Director: Billy Butler
Assistant Director: Carey Cahoon
Stage Manager: Carey Cahoon
Asst. Stage Manager: Alyssa Dillon
Music Director: Henry Kopczynskie

Publicity:  John Campanello, Marjory Murphy, Chris Poulin, Jeff Rapsis
Graphics:  Bert DeWaters
Costumes:  Mary Selvoski, Betty Thomson, Marlene LaTulippe
Costume Assistant:  Amy Gradzewicz
Props Master:  Meg Breithaupt
House Manager:  Catherine Andruskevich
Set Build Manager: Dave Nelson
Set Design:  Billy Butler
Master Painter:  Bert DeWaters
Set Painting:  Lacy Long
Lighting: The Music Factory
Sound: The Music Factory
Sponsorship Team: John Campanello, Ken Drinan, Chris Poulin, Jeff Rapsis



Audition Information
Open Auditions - All Roles Available

When: Sunday April 30 from 4-9 pm  - AND - Tuesday May 2 from 6-9 pm
Callbacks (if necessary) Tuesday, May 2,  9-10 pm

Where: NTP Offices, 300 Bedford St, Entrance B, 2nd Floor, Manchester, NH [Directions]

Who: Men and Women ages 16-70, All Roles Available. The show has minimal dance.

What: Please bring a prepared theatre song with sheet music, dress comfortably for movement auditions. Gymnastic and Tumbling skills are also sought for select roles.

Conflicts: Please bring any schedule conficts to the audition.

If you would like to audition, please give your name, email, and phone # to Carey Cahoon, stage manager

A specific appointment time is not required.  We want to be able to contact you with additional information or changes if necessary.  Plan to be at the audition for about an hour.
(You are also welcome to just show up!)

If you would like to audition, but aren't available on the above dates, please contact Ms. Cahoon.
Questions: Please contact Director Billy Butler

Character Descriptions on StageAgent.com
Plot Summary on MTIShows.com

"Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!" 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.

With its unforgettable zany characters, a hysterical, perfectly constructed book by Larry Gelbart (of “MASH” and “City Of Angels” fame) and Burt Shevelove, and witty Stephen Sondheim songs which are modest n their vocal demands, “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” allows a brilliant ensemble of comedic actors to shine.