White Theatre in KC presents 'A Funny THing Happened on the Way to the Forum'

It's a comedy tonight, complete with togas, as the Stephen Sondheim musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum takes the stage of the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (The J). The hilarious musical opens Saturday evening, Feb. 13 and continues for an additional seven performances. The production is directed and choreographed by Chris McCoy with musical direction by Kevin Bogan. Performance dates are Feb. 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 at 7:30 p.m.?February 14, 21, 28 at 2 p.m.

The talented, all local cast takes the audience on this light-hearted journey that is fast-paced, witty and irreverent all at the same time. This Sondheim musical that won the Tony Award is the perfect escape from life's daily troubles. A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum is a comedy that takes us back to its roots, combining 2,000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the energy and humor of classic vaudeville.

With Sondheim's clever lyrics and carefully crafted tunes, along with Larry Gelbart's (M*A*S*H) hilarious book, this musical romp takes place in Rome with lovers searching for each other, neighbors scheming together, and everyone hiding something.

"Forum contains the type of the over-the-top, broad comedy that we rarely get to experience in the theatre these days," said Director Chris McCoy. "While the show has beautiful songs and entertaining dance numbers, it is really driven by the comedy and that anything-for-a-laugh spirit. I am so honored to be working with an experienced cast of community theatre veterans each of whom brings their unique talents and humor to the roles. I know audiences are going to be bowled over by the talent and energy of this cast and our no-holds-barred approach to tickle every funny bone."

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is rated PG. Tickets are $23 for the general public, $16 for J members and $12 for student. For tickets, please contact the White Theatre box office at The J by calling (913) 327-8054, email boxoffice@thejkc.org or visit www.thejkc.org.

About "The J"

Established more than 100 years ago, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, "The J," provides a warm welcome to families of all backgrounds. "The J's" all-in-one hub for health, learning and well being elevates the lives of the lives of the community and its Members with programs of excellence in fitness, sports, theatre, cultural arts, senior adult programming and youth services including summer camps and child development. Everyone can live up at "The J," located in Overland Park, Kansas, and at thejkc.org.

Cast of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Forum

(Role, Actor & City of Residence)

Pseudolus: Reed Uthe (Kansas City, Missouri)

Senex: Dennis Maddux (Overland Park)

Domina: Susan Neu (Kansas City, Missouri)

Hero: Jake Leet?(Lawrence)

Philia: Christiana Coffey (Kansas City, Missouri)

Hysterium: Mark Murphy (Parkville, Missouri)

Erronius: Rod Chapin (Overland Park)

Miles Gloriosus: Paul Morel (Kansas City, Missouri)

Marcus Lycus: John Edmonds (Overland Park)

Tintinabula: Jessica Franz (Kansas City, Missouri)

Panacea: Meagan Edmonds (Merriam)

The Geminae: Laura Jacobs (Kansas City, Missouri)

Grey Williamson (Kansas City, Missouri)

Vibrata: Beth Benedict Borders (Kansas City, Missouri)

Gymnasia: Melissa Anderson (Independence)

Proteans: Elijah Biesemeyer (Lee's Summit)

Miles Wirth (Shawnee)

Thomas Tong (Olathe)

Handmaidens: Rachel Adcock (Lenexa)

Lauren Crane (Leawood)

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