Photo Flash: New Look at Foothill Music Theatre's A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM

Multi-award winning Foothill Music Theatre presents A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Larry Gelbart and Burt Shevelove. Inspired by the farces of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus, this bawdy musical tells the story of Pseudolus, a slave, who hopes to win his freedom by matching up his young master with a neighborhood beauty. Infused with comic mayhem, this rollicking hit opened on Broadway in 1962, winning five Tonys, including Best Musical and Best Book, and becoming an instant critical and commercial success. This production will be co-directed byMilissa Carey and Michael Ryken, with musical direction provided by Katie Coleman. **Please note: due to a scheduling conflict, the role of "Pseudolus" will now be played by Doug Santana, taking over for Tomas Theriot**

The show will play July 23-August 9, 2015 at the Smithwick Theatre, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills. For tickets ($12-$32) and more information please visit www.foothillmusicals.com or call (650) 949-7360.

A lively introduction from the aptly named Prologus sets the tone for FORUM, which follows the mayhem that ensues after the wealthy Senex and his wife leave town, giving their slaves and lovesick son, Hero, free reign of the household. With the frantic Hysterium left in charge as Head Slave, the clever and manipulative Psuedolus takes drastic measures to gain Hero's favor and earn his freedom. From securing alone time between Hero and the courtesan Philia, to orchestrating a bogus funeral and his fair share of wild goose chases, Pseudolus sets in motion many of the hijinks that unfold in this farce of vaudevillian proportions.

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM opened August 29, 1962 at the Alvin Theatre, later transferring to the Mark Hellinger Theatre and the Majestic Theatre, where it closed August 29, 1964 after 8 previews and 964 performances. A runaway hit that captivated critics and audiences alike, FORUM has been revived several times on Broadway and internationally, and was adapted into a film in 1966.

Photos by David Allen