If the rest of Rome was anything like this, no wonder it declined and fell!
Come and see "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!
Broadway's greatest farce is light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent, and one of the funniest musicals ever written - the perfect escape from life's troubles. This show takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from time-tested, 2000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville. The result is a non-stop laugh-fest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave in ancient Rome, struggles to win the hand of the beautiful but slow-witted Philia for his young master, Hero, in exchange for his freedom.

With its unforgettable but zany characters, an hystericzal, perfectly constructed book by Larry Gelbart (of MASH and City of Angels fame) and Burt Shevelove (who directed No, No, Nanette), and witty Stephen Sondheim music, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum allows our ensemble of comedic actors to shine. The lead role of Pseudolus will be played by Lee Harwell, last seen at CSTOCK playing Jud in Oklahoma. Jacob Parkinson, a senior this year at South Kitsap High School, will play the role of Hero who falls in love with the beautiful Kimberly Delmendo as Philia. Others in the cast include Kevin Matthew as Senex, Gwen Adams as Domina, Dan Estes as Hysterium, Paul Adkins as Marcus Lycus, Joseph Connors as Erronious, and Dan Engelhard as Miles Gloriosus. The rest of the ensemble of courtesans and proteans includes: Janet Barton, Lee Barton, Diana Cartwright, Karen Cohn, Gina DiVittorio, Travis Gamble, Morgan Gray, Tina Lozano, Jessica Markiewicz, Daniel McLean, Mia Song Swartwood, Jerry Vogt, and Lindsay Welliver.

Verne Goodwin of Poulsbo makes his directorial debut with this show. Verne has been active in theatre for many years and has been the stage manager for several major CSTOCK productions. Providing the musical support is CSTOCK Maestro Bob Olcott, with vocal direction provided by Trina Williamson and Robert Foreman. Larry Adams designed and built the set, with painting and mural artwork provided by Willo McKee-Huard and her Bremerton High School students. Choreography is by Diane Lau, and costumes prepared by Beth Anne Humphries. Backstage support is led by stage manager Cindi Williams.

"Backstage Babble" from the licensing agent for the show, Music Theatre International of New York, tells us that the part of Pseudolus was originally written with actor/comedian Phil Silvers in mind. When he turned down the role, it was offered to Milton Berle and finally to Zero Mostel, who created one of the most legendary characters of his career. Every actor who has ever played the role of Pseudolus on Broadway (not counting replacements) has won a Tony Award. The show had a 964-performance run on Broadway and had eight Tony nominations, winning six awards. Although the witty script may be bawdy, it is never vulgar; in fact, for ancient Romans, the characters are pretty civilized.

This production opens September 15 and runs through October 8 with Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday's performance at 6 p.m. Watch for a coupon special ad in local papers for the performance on Sunday, September 17. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children 11 and under, and are available at the Kitsap Mall Customer Service Booth. All performances are at the CSTOCK theatre in the Silverdale Community Center at 9729 Silverdale Way. Theatre Information Line is 692-9940 or check the website at CSTOCK.org.