BHS Takes on 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum'

Editor's Note: The following is a release from the Valley View School District.

Classic elements of farce. Great puns. Mistaken identities. spring musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum has it all.

Inspired by the farces of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus (251-183 BC), the musical relating the comical story of a slave named Pseudolus in a desperate attempt to win his freedom will be on stage at 7 p.m. Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17; 3 p.m. Sunday, March 18; and 7 p.m. Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24.

All performances are in the Bolingbrook High School Auditorium, 365 Raider Way. Reserved seat tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Go here to purchase tickets in advance.

The production follows Pseudolus’ (Eric Hansen) attempts to help his young master, Hero (Troy Schaeflein), earn the love of a Courtesan, Philia (Janelle Villas.) Meanwhile, Pseudolus has to outsmart Hero's parents, the slave-master, Lycus (Mark Tesoro), and Miles Gloriosus (Jon Wolrton), the captain of the army who has already paid for Philia.

Director Mark Wayne’s team includes Lawrence Fisher, music director; Tim Kelly, technical director; Aimee Rupsis, producer; Bob Hanerhoff, pit director; Jenna Schoppe, choreographer; Carl Rupsis, sound designer; and Riche Vavrina, lighting designer.

The cast includes: Pseudolus--Eric Hansen, Hero--Troy Schaeflein, Philia--Janelle Villas, Senex --Caleb Hand, Domina--Ceirstan Quarles, Hysterium--Shane Cook, Lycus--Mark Tesoro, Miles--Jon Worlton, Erronius--Brandon Januska, Tintinnuabula--Marisa Vargas, Panacea--Kendra Johnson, Geminae 1--Jordan Nazos, Geminae 2--Cassie Buckley, Vibrata--Gina Gardner, Gymnasia--Karlie Vegas, Protean--Paige Kennedy, Protean--Alexis Pullins, Protean--Kelsey Schaeflein, Soldier--Brady Bettis, Soldier--Jon Slowik, Soldier--Ben Worlton, Eunich--Connor Hale, Eunich--Nick Lucero, Sailor--Gizelle Biore, Sailor--Kayla Carmichael, Sailor--Claire Pigors, Citizen--Jonathan O’Brien, Citizen--Austin Nelson, Citizen--Emily Coronado, Slave--Abby Keifer, Slave--Kiana Martin, and Slave--Saukhya Gumidyala.