TexARTS' A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM Opens Next Week

TexARTS will present "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" as part of our fully-staged youth summer musical. This is the eighth year TexARTS has offered this summer musical theatre intensive program. Over thirty students rehearse the summer musical during a three-week camp with nationally recognized guest artists. The summer program concludes with two performances opened to the public on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" is a non-stop laugh-fest in which Pseudolus, a crafty servant, struggles to win the hand of the beautiful Philia, for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors, and a showgirl or two. This unforgettable, hysterical musical has "something for everyone, a comedy tonight!"

The production will be directed by New York-based director, choreographer, and producer Natalie Malotke. A former director of the Nickelodeon at Sea program, Malotke's credits include regional productions of "Sweet Charity" and "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City. In addition to rehearsing, some students will sharpen their existing skills and participate in master classes with Broadway veterans Jay Binder of Binder Casting, acting coach Matthew Corozine, and former Radio City Rockette, Kelly King. The production will be choreographed by TexARTS' artistic director Darren Gibson and Rachel Hoovler as the musical director.

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" is based on a book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The original 1962 Broadway show won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book. Successful revivals were done in 1972 and 1996, both winning additional Tony Awards.

Tickets?

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.tex-arts.org or by calling TexARTS Box Office at 512-852-9079 x101. All ages are welcome and parking is free.

Show times are Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm.