Last Chance: Fall Down Laughing at 'Forum'

You have just a few days remaining to laugh your toga off at the 's production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

The play, which runs through April 29, is the story of a slave who attempts to win his freedom by helping his master woo the girl next door. With magic potions and mistaken identities, the production that took six Tony awards provides fun for all ages.

Lots of Novato residents take the stage in this show, including John Conway as Lycus, Will Lamers as Miles Gloriosus, Sarah Nelson as Gemini, Linda Ward as Gymnasia and Rebecca Langford, Jesse McMillin and Robert Nelson as proteans.

Inspired by the farces of the ancient playwright Plautus, the title is inspired by the line vaudeville comedians used to use: “A funny thing happened on the way to the theater …” With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was written by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbert.

Directed by Kim Bromley of San Rafael and produced by Karen Thouvenin of Woodacre, the show features a bust of the character Domina whose nose was molded by Dave Carson, a model maker who worked on Star Wars Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. The nose is set to break off at will and be replaced for each performance.

The Novato Theater Company Playhouse is at 484 Ignacio Blvd. in the shopping center. Shows are at 8 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.  Tickets are $25 for general admission and $22 for seniors and students. Cost for children’s tickets is $12. For reservations, call 415-883-4498 or available at www.novatotheatercompany.org.