Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. invites the community to its fast-paced comedy, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” Tickets are on sale now for this PG-13 show to be presented Sept. 16-19 and Sept. 23-26 at the Nancy Byng Community Theater in Abrams. The show, directed by Wayne Strei, is one of the few musical farces in Broadway history.
“Perhaps the most recent show in that category is ‘The Producers’. Both are fast-paced, irreverent and bawdy,” Strei said. “The comedy is straight out of vaudeville and certainly not politically correct! It’s a very entertaining evening in the theatre.”
The show features local actors from their teens to their 60s.
“Everyone gets a few chances to strut their stuff. I am thrilled that at every rehearsal someone else gets a new laugh or a different response to their line that sets us off on a new adventure on stage,” Strei said.
The music and lyrics were written by a young Stephen Sondheim, and the script was written by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. Gelbart wrote many of the television scripts for MAS*H.
Opening night of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is Thursday, Sept. 16, with a 7 p.m. show and celebratory gala. The audience is invited to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks with the cast and crew after the performance.
Additional performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17-18 and 24-25 and at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 and 26. All shows will be performed at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams.
Tickets can be purchased online at AbramsTheatre.com or by calling the box office at 920-826-5852.
“If you are looking for a joyful and colorful evening in the theatre, this could be just what the doctor ordered – if your doctor is one of The Three Stooges,” Strei said.
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International and produced by After Dark Productions, a division of Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. Some material might be unsuitable for children.