Hackmatack 40th Season Readies Forum, Prepared for Sell-out
By: Gabrielle Sierra
A farce with puns, slamming doors, mistaken identity, and satire couldn't present itself at a better time. "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", a show that sold out at Hackmatack in 1974, 1986, and 1999 opens Wednesday, July 6 as Hackmatack's 40th summer-long anniversary celebration continues. This long running Broadway smash includes music by Stephen Soundheim. The book by Larry Gelbart (MASH) tells the story of a Roman slave's rollicking quest for freedom.
"Forum" Director is Jay Rodger who is returning for his tenth season at Hackmatack. Jay graduated from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater. Rodger claims the "great cast of Hackmatack regular actors makes this a fun, silly production." He said, "This is a smart, witty show. People are going to love it!""A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" runs through Saturday, July 23. The three week run includes shows Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 with Thursday matinees at 2:00.This special 40th anniversary summer continues with "Singin' In the Rain" (one of Hackmatack's most Popular Productions in 1996) Wednesday, July 27 through Saturday Aug 13.It took 39 years to make Hackmatack what it is today and closing this 40th anniversary season (Wednesday, August 17 through Saturday, September 3) will be the Alfred Hitchcock fast paced comedy/mystery/thriller, "The 39 Steps". Tickets and 2011 Hackmatack Playhouse ‘Flexi-Passes" are now available. Hackmatack Playhouse, in Berwick, continues a tradition of affordable ticket prices with student, senior, and group discounts. Tickets and more information are available on-line at www.Hackmatack.org or by phone, 207-698-1807.