‘A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum’ showing up at PBTS

Players by the Sea’s first classic musical comedy of the New Year opens very soon!  “A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum” has been called “Broadway’s greatest musical farce.” It’s a timeless comedy that dates back to its Broadway premiere in 1967. But the cast and creative team working on the production here at Players will stun you with their fresh talent and take on the classic.

The cast consists of 18 actors, spanning from teenagers to seniors. Some of them have studied theatre professionally and others just participate because they love being on stage.  The cast is ready to present their exceptional comedic talents with you!  Here’s who you can expect on stage for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: {Pseudolus) – Al Emerick; (Hero) – Billy Speed; (Philia) – Julie Harrington; (Hysterium) – Paepaeala Pimienta; (Senex) – Allen LaMontagne; (Domina) – Amy Allen Farmer; (Marcus Lycus) – Christopher Humphries; (Miles Gloriosus) – Jimmy Alexander; (Erronius) – Jim Warren; (Gymnasia) – Chelsea Black; (The Geminae) – Shauna Clark and Anna Fleece; (Vibrata) – Kimberly Cooper York; (Tintinabula) – Amanda Jackson; (Panacea) – Charity Zappone & (The Proteans) – Jake McGraw, (Chinua) Richardson, and Kris Stam.

Al Emerick who plays Pseudolous says, “There’s a real diverse split between ages and experience but everyone is in this thing together and has been since the start.  Forum takes us back to Ancient Rome for a unique and unforgettable production.  Pseudolus, a devious slave, makes a deal to win his freedom by playing matchmaker for his lovesick master, Hero. Rife with pompous generals, domineering parents, and wiley courtesans, this hilarious Tony-winning musical is a non-stop laugh-fest with “something for everyone!”

Billy Speed, Jacksonville native, plays Hero.  He went to school for Music Theatre at Oklahoma City University, the same school that musical sensations Kristin Chenoweth and Kelli O’Hara graduated from.  But the ensemble also has teachers, a retired engineer, a dentist and high school students who help to complete the cast.  Despite different walks of life, each cast member has been able to come together through the production process, and bond over their love for the theatre.

“A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum” takes us back to Ancient Rome for a unique and unforgettable production. Pseudolus, a devious slave, makes a deal to win his freedom by playing matchmaker for his lovesick master, Hero.  Rife with pompous generals, domineering parents, and wiley courtesans, this hilarious Tony-winning musical is a non-stop laugh-fest with “something for everyone!”  Emerick says, “You should buy tickets to this show because you will have the opportunity to walk away in tears from laughter and your face will hurt from the smiles.”

“A Funny Thing Happened
ººOn the Way to the Forum”

DATES:     TIMES
Fri. Jan. 24, 2020  8 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 25      8 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 30   8 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 31    8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 1    8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 2    2 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 6   8 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 7    8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 8    8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 9    2 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 13   8 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 14    8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 15    8 p.m.

TICKETS: Tickets are on sale now at playersbythesea.org or by calling the Box Office at 904.249.0289. General admission is $28 per ticket and Senior/Student/Military tickets are available for $25. Thursday Nights are Student Nights at PBTS with $14 tickets for students with a valid student I.D. at the door.  Group rates are available for parties larger than 15 people. (PBTS will have a special celebration for the 24th so get your tickets now to experience the magic of Opening Night at the theatre!)

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289