Spreckels Theatre to Present A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, 2/8-17

Spreckels Theatre Company presents "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", featuring Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart.

A bawdy musical that first debuted on Broadway in 1963, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" tells the story Pseudolus, a slave who attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master court the girl next door. This classic, lusty musical comedy comments on social classes as it pays homage to vaudeville - even the title comes from vaudeville, where comedians often began comical stories with "A funny thing happened on the way to the theater."

Slamming doors, mistaken identity, characters disguising themselves as one another - all the classic elements of farce, burlesque and modern musical comedy can be found in this laugh-filled show, considered by many to be the funniest musical ever written for the stage. The original Broadway production won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book. Memorable songs from the musical include "Comedy Tonight."

This production features the new Paradyne projection system, developed by Spreckels Performing Arts Center, combining still images and animations to create multiple backdrop effects.

Directed by Gene Abravaya, the musical will feature Music Direction by Sandy and Richard Riccardi, Choreography by Michella Snider and Costumes by Pamela Enz.

CAST: Featuring Tim Setzer, Larry Williams, Tina Lloyd Meals, Elliot Simon, Matthew Lindberg, Alan Kafton, Matthew Proschold, Dene Harvey, Harry Duke, Sophia Ferar, Chelsea Smith, Michella Snider, Abbey Lee, Melissa Petty, Anthony Guzman, Michael Hunter, Greg Maddox and Sam Starr.

The show runs Feb. 8 to Feb. 17, 2013, playing at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $20 to $26. $26 General; $22 Seniors; $20 Students. For tickets, call the Spreckels Box Office at 707 588-3400. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 12 to 5 p.m. and one hour before showtime.

Spreckels Performing Arts Center's Codding Theater is located at 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, Calif. For more information, go to www.spreckelsonline.com.

Photo Credit: Gene Abravaya