CenterStage at the Jewish Community is proud to present the hilarious, Tony Award winning musical, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” to the Linker Auditorium May 12th-22nd to close their 2010-2011 season. This Broadway smash hit musical comedy, inspired by the farces of the famous Roman playwright Plautus is sure to delight audiences of all ages. 

“Forum” tells the story of a slave named Pseudolus (Monty Fields) who attempts to gain his freedom by helping his young master, Hero (Kyle Braun) woo Philia (Jessica Adamson), the courtesan next door. However, Philia is already promised to Captain Miles Gloriosus (Jon Adams). Pseudolus schemes up a plan to let Hero catch Philia’s eye but his father, Senex (Russ Dunlap) returns early from a trip, upsetting the ruse. Pseudolus enlists the help of the head slave, Hysterium (Chris Bryant) to restart the plot.

Written by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart with music and lyrics by the brilliant Stephen Sondheim, “Forum” opened on Broadway in 1962, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. In 1966, the play was brought to the big screen before being revived on stage in 1972 and again in 1996 with Nathan Lane as Pseudolus. The play features such popular songs as “Comedy Tonight,” “Love, I Hear,” and “I’m Calm.”

“Forum” is one of the few times CenterStage produced a broad slapstick comedy. “While this may be outside our comfort zone, I know our audiences will love it,” says CenterStage Artistic Director, John R. Leffert. “The cast has worked extremely hard and have really met the comedic challenge this show presents. They keep me laughing every night in rehearsal.”

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” runs for two weeks with performances on Thursday, May 12, Saturday, May 14, Monday, May 16, Thursday, May 19, and Saturday May 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, May 15 and May 22 at 2 & 7 p.m. 

Single tickets are $18. Twenty $10 rush tickets are available for weekday and Sunday evening performances and must be purchased in person at the Jewish Community Center the day of show prior to 5pm. 

For information or ticket reservations, call 459-0660.