Photo Flash: First 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. This production will be co-directed by Milissa Carey and Michael Ryken, with musical direction provided by Katie Coleman. The show will play July 23-August 9, 2015 at the Smithwick Theatre, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

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.

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.

Tomas Theriot will star as "Pseudolus" in Foothill's production of FORUM. Theriot has worked for years at Bay Area theatres such as Los Altos Stage Company, Altarena Playhouse, Tri-Valley Repertory, and others.

Additional ne'er-do-wells, lovers, and fools will be portrayed by: Ray D'Ambrosio as "Marcus Lycus," Mike Meadors as "Hysterium," Scotty Shoemaker as "Miles Gloriosus," Anthony Stephens as "Hero," Jenifer Tice as "Domina," Jessica Whittemore as "Philia," and Todd Wright as "Senex."

The vibrant ensemble features: Vanessa Alvarez, Evelyn Chan, Sarah Hammer, Sara-Grace Kelly, Cami Jackson, and Kay Thornton as "Courtesans," Sam Cori and Leslie Newport as "Eunuchs", Jason Engleman, Marc Gonzalez, and Kevin Reid as "Proteans," and Fredric Lagerbald and Sam Nachison as "Soldiers."

For tickets ($12-$32) and more information, visit www.foothillmusicals.com or call (650) 949-7360.

Photo Credit: David Allen