Glenn Rainey to Star in Atlanta Lyric's FORUM, Runs 6/11-27

Atlanta Lyric Theatre presents "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" June 11 - 27 at The Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square. Tickets are available at 404-377-9948 or www.atlantalyrictheatre.com.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sonheim and book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, "Forum" is staged by award-winning director Alan Kilpatrick, and features music direction by Michael Fauss and choreography by Jen MacQueen.

This fast-paced and witty show combines situations from the 2,000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville. The result is a nonstop laugh-fest in which a crafty slave Pseudolus, played by Broadway star and Atlanta native Glenn Rainey, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful but slow-witted courtesan Philia (Laura Floyd) for his young master Hero (Bradley Renner), in exchange for freedom. Pseudolus, who wants his freedom so badly that he will do anything to win it, uses the age-old comic devices - mistaken identity, lying, dressing in drag, threats, deception - and of course, singing and dancing.

The show also includes a bevy of beauties, the battle-ax and her henpecked husband, their hysterical servant, a procurer, a befuddled old man in search of his missing children, and a vain general who claims Philia as his bride.

Rainey, a proud member of Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild, is thrilled to be returning to The Lyric Stage. Rainey's long-standing reputation with Atlanta audiences originated more than twenty-five years ago when he graced the stage with the Southeastern Savoyards (now The Lyric) for his first professional show "The Mikado." Rainey spent seven years in the Broadway company of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" including the role of Cogsworth. In addition, Atlanta audiences have seen him perform in "Oklahoma!" at Theatre of the Stars as well as "Jesus Christ Superstar GOSPEL" and Disney's "Aladdin" at the ALLIANCE THEATRE.

Joining Rainey, Floyd and Renner are Atlanta's own Ingrid Cole, Marc MacPherson, Robert Wayne, Chase Todd, Brent W. Davis, Brad Raymond, Josh Donahue, John Markowsi, John Carucci, Katie Veldhuis, Haley and Jordan Godwin, Priscilla Curtis, Dixie Light, and Caroline Freedlund.

With a score featuring The Atlanta Lyric Pit Orchestra, the "Forum" set is designed by Lee Shiver, with costumes by Lindsey Paris, lighting by Jessica Coale, sound design by Bobby Johnston, and technically directed by B.J. Garmon.

For reservations and information, call 404.377.9948 or visit www.atlantalyrictheatre.com.

Performance Schedule
June 11,12,13 Friday & Sat. @ 8:00, Sun. @ 2:00
17,18,19,20 Thurs., Fri. & Sat. @ 8:00, Sun. @ 2:00
24,25,26,27,2010 Thurs., Fri. & Sat. @ 8:00, Sat. & Sun. @ 2:00

Ticket Prices
$25 - $35