A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum

The Synopsis

Setting: Rome 200BC

The plot revolves around Pseudolus, the laziest salve in Rome who will do almost anything to gain his freedom. When his master & mistress (Senex & Domina) leave for the day he is left in charge of his owner’s young son (Hero) who has fallen madly in love with a beautiful courtesan (Philia). The girl is a virgin in the house of Lycus, a slave dealer specializing in beautiful women. The young boy promises Pseudolus his freedom if he can arrange a marriage before his father returns. Pseudolus, of course, agrees. Pseudolus concocts a deal in which he will be freed if he can produce the girl for young Hero. The virgin however has already been sold to Miles Gloriosus so a desperate Pseudolus, despite the protests of slave chief, Hysterium, plots to convince Gloriosus that his bride to be has died. But not even the convincing slave can forsee the tangled web that he is about to weave.

The Production Team

Director – Jane Mullen

Choreographer – Nicole Castle

Musical Director – Jeff Fisher

Rehearsal Pianist – Helen Short

The Cast

David Barron (Psuedolus), Jim Simmons (Senex), Alia Naughton (Domina), Greg Wood (Hysterium), Tim Percy (Hero), Amy Hearps (Philia), Pouyan Afshar (Lycus), James Ford (Miles Gloriosus), Shelley Barons, Trish Steadman-Towell, Barbara Hammang, Ella McNeill, Louise Freeland, Christy Fisher, Alicia Powell, Janis Williamson, Meredith Wills, Betty Tougher, Robyn Goldman

Dames At Sea

The Synopsis

Dames At Sea tells the story of Ruby, who, fresh off the bus from Utah, finds herself in the chorus of tough, but lovable director, Harry Hennessey’s latest Broadway spectacular. She is befriended by fellow long-term chorine, Joan, who provides her with tips on survival in the Broadway jungle – oh, and a place to live.

Ruby meets & falls in love with Dick, a sailor who just happens – Gosh - to be a swell songwriter. But, alas, Dick’s intentions are waylaid by the show’s vampy star Mona Kent. Disaster strikes when the theatre is sold & is to be torn down. When all seems lost, Dick & fellow sailor Lucky come up with a plan to convince their Captain to present the show on the battleship. Needless to say, the show does go on with clichés (and U.S Navy intervention) ensuring that Ruby gets Mona’s spotlight on opening night – along with her Mr. Right.

The Production Team

Director – Jan Mahoney

Choreographer – Nola Verrills

Musical Director – Kate Palethorpe

Assistant Director – Greg Wood

Rehearsal Pianist – Lyn McPherson

The Cast

Kirili Ivins (Ruby), Chris Scarpellino (Dick), Kerryn Maher (Joan), Greg Jones (Lucky), Jenny Farrell (Mona Kent), Jonathan Llewellyn (Captain), Noel McDonough (Hennessey), Susan Doel (Trixie), Owen Childs (Frankie), Fiona Jones (Ginger), Andrew Klusman (Charlie), Catherine Davies (Bubbles), John Haly (Eddie), Barbara Hammang (Peaches)