Middlebury College Musical Players to Stage “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” on Feb. 17-20

“Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!” So says the famous chorus of one of Stephen Sondheim’s popular musicals, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”

Thursday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. will be opening night for the Middlebury College Musical Players’ (MCMP) presentation of the musical at the College’s McCullough Student Center on Old Chapel Road off Route 30. Additional performances will run through the weekend, with 8 p.m. curtains on Friday, Feb. 18 and Saturday, Feb. 19, and an afternoon matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20.

Director/producer Abi Butler, a Middlebury College senior; conductor Hitoshi Yamaguchi, a sophomore; and musical advisor Jeff Rehbach, the College’s director of information technology services, will head a cast of energetic performers from the College community in MCMP’s largest production to date.

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” transports the audience back to ancient Rome and its toga-wearing citizens, but its appeal is timeless and for all ages. Butler said, “MCMP chose to present ‘Forum’ in part because it’s a hilarious show. It leaves audiences literally in tears from laughter.”

Inspired by the comedies of Plautus, a second century B.C. Roman playwright, Sondheim’s comic musical numbers, such as “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid,” “Lovely,” and “Comedy Tonight,” complement the fast-paced script, written by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart.

Since 1995, MCMP has provided a creative outlet for students and faculty to explore the realm of musical theater. “The Fantasticks” and “Godspell” are among the musicals that MCMP has performed in previous years.

Tickets may be purchased after Feb. 7 at the Middlebury Inn, or by calling the production’s ticket line at 802-443-2680. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. General admission is $5, and $3 for students, seniors, and children.

Schedule

THURSDAY, FEB. 17

8 p.m. Opening night: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” on stage at the McCullough Student Center, Old Chapel Road off Route 30.

FRIDAY, FEB. 17

8 p.m. “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” on stage at the McCullough Student Center, Old Chapel Road off Route 30.

SATURDAY, FEB. 17

8 p.m. “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” on stage at the McCullough Student Center, Old Chapel Road off Route 30.

SUNDAY, FEB. 17

2 p.m. Afternoon matinee: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” on stage at the McCullough Student Center, Old Chapel Road off Route 30.