Auditions for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

Fairmont State University's Town & Gown Summer Theatre is holding auditions for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

Auditions for Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart's "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" are scheduled for Monday, May 4, and Tuesday, May 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wallman Hall studio theatre, located on the third floor of the building. The production will be directed by Jeffrey Ingman with musical direction by Dr. Jeffrey Poland.

Rehearsals begin May 26. Show dates are July 10, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. at Prickett's Fort.

Inspired by the farces of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus (251-183 B.C.), specifically "Pseudolus," "Miles Gloriosus" and "Mostellaria," the show tells the bawdy story of a slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. The plot displays many classic elements of farce, including puns, the slamming of doors, cases of mistaken identity (frequently involving characters disguising themselves as one another) and satirical comments on social class. The title derives from the line that vaudeville comedians often used to begin a story: "A funny thing happened on the way to the theater."

Those who audition should come prepared with sheet music in their key and be prepared to sing 16 bars of an up-tempo song or a selection from the show. An accompanist will be provided. Dance auditions will be during the call-back only. Auditions will consist of singing, cold readings and dance, where appropriate.

Following is a list of roles to be cast:
Prologus/Psuedolus: Slave to hero, comic timing a must, baritone
2-3 Proteans: Male, play a variety of roles, lots of physical comedy
Senex: Father to hero, browbeaten by his wife Domina
Domina: Mother to hero, everything her name implies, contralto
Hero: In love with Philia, 2nd tenor or high baritone
Hysterium: Slave to Senex and Domina, very nervous, baritone
Lycus: A buyer and seller of courtesans, baritone
Erronius: A very old man
Philia: Courtesan, only knows how to be lovely, soprano
Miles Gloriosus: A warrior come to buy Philia, big baritone voice
Courtesans (all courtesans dance and sing):
            - Tintinabula
            - Panacea
            - The Geminae Twins
            - Vibrata
            - Gymnasia

For audition reservations or more information, call Susan Bailey at (304) 367-4203.