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General News: Comedy on Stage at the High School
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| Danny Distasio plays Pseudolus, a slave who will do anything to be free. |
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| He is a slave in the house of Senex. |
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| Young Hero, played by Patrick Hoagland, is in love with Philia. |
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| Pseudolus has to negotiate with Lycra (Kirstie Juenger) to get Philia. |
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| Philia, played here by Sarah Alestalo, lets it be known that all she knows how to do is "be lovely." |
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| Hero's father, Senex, is happy after he meets Philia. |
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| Captain Gloriosus (Brien Schweizer) arrives to get his girl. |
April 02, 2009
Be prepared for some zany action onstage fueled by powerful singing in the Cornwall Central High School Drama Club production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” which opens this Thursday and plays through the weekend.
This Stephen Sondheim musical is intended as a modern farce set in ancient Rome and the high school drama production is pure vaudeville all the way, beginning with the opening number “It’s Comedy Tonight.” The young actors are amazing, creating an uproaringly funny show with their dramatic comic gestures and expressions. Don’t be surprised if you hear a reference to Ipods or contemporary politicians, making it clear that the show doesn’t really try to imitate how the ancients lived.
The plot of the musical is anything but simple, but the underlying themes of love and betrayal are universal. The story revolves around one noble family and their slave, Pseudolus, who hopes to win his freedom by uniting the son, named Hero, with the object of his desire, a courtesan from Crete named Philia.
Philia, however, has already been promised to Captain Miles Gloriosus, who will be arriving soon to claim his virgin bride. Quick-witted Pseudolus creates a number of rouses and distractions to get Philia into the arms of Hero before she is taken away forever.
Among the more serious complications, Hero’s father thinks that Philia was intended for him and a father-son rivalry threatens to erupt. Hero’s mother gets wind of an impending betrayal by her husband and sets her own trap for him. Meanwhile, Captain Gloriosus returns and Pseudolus tries to work his magic, claiming Philia has died.
The action on stage is moved along with the delightful music written by Sondheim. More than a dozen songs are performed and the dancing on stage features a shifting array of beautifully costumed eunuchs, slaves, courtesans, citizens and soldiers.
Drama club advisor Rich Auferio once again directs this brilliant production and he notes in the program that his longtime producer, head costumer, choreographer and stage managers all moved on this year, only to replaced by a new team of adult assistants who have put their own remarkable skills to work.
Tony Ravinsky serves as both musical director and technical director while Beth Whalen directed the choreograpy, Pam Huestis put her talents to work as head costumer, and Vic Esposito as musical conductor. Cornwall schools music teacher Karen Boden played rehearsal piano. Tony Ravinsky also oversaw a crew of high school students who build the elaborate houses and Roman temple on stage.
Tickets for “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” are still available and may be purchased at the door. The play contains some mature themes and parental guidance is advised. For a full schedule of performance times, click here.
See more photos from the production by clicking here.
Click on any photo for a larger view.
Comments:
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This was one of the funniest musical productions ever done! Well done Mr. A, Mr. Ravinsky and Mrs. Whalen
posted by Eileen Zwart on 04/03/09 at 12:16 PM
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We laughed from beginning to end. This production is a gem, and everyone should go to see it this weekend. You won't be disappointed! Kudos to all involved.
posted by Rick Gioia on 04/03/09 at 11:41 PM
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