Theatre Department News

MC to stage "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

 By Nicholas Munson

Monmouth College’s Crimson Masque will present “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” April 26 – 29.

Performances will be April 26 – 28 at 7:30 p.m. and April 29 at 2 p.m. in the college’s Wells Theater.

Tickets are $6 for adults; $5 for other students and senior citizens; and $4 for MC students, faculty and staff. They may be reserved by calling 309-457-2104 or by e-mailing theater@monm.edu. Advance tickets can be purchased in MC’s Stockdale Center the week of the production.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” tells the bawdy story of a Roman slave named Pseudolus. His outlandish attempts to win his freedom include helping his young master, Hero, woo the beautiful girl next door. The plot satirizes life in ancient Rome and displays many classic elements of farce: slapstick, puns, pratfalls, cases of mistaken identity, young love, raunchy old men and, of course, dancing and singing.

The production will showcase the talents of two new faculty members. Pier Debes is the music director for the production, while Ali Allender-Zivic has designed the set and lighting. She says the set will be “full of color and fun that represent and accent the fun Vegas style of the show.” Professor Bill Wallace, chair of the theatre department, is the director.

Due to adult language and situations, viewer discretion is advised.