VERO BEACH – “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is Tony-awarded musical romp through ancient Rome, featuring desperate lovers, scheming toga-clad neighbors, and glamorous courtesans, thirteen singers/dancers/comedians/actors in all, converging on stage at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild.

Originally performed on Broadway in 1962, this farcical musical was nominated for six Tony Awards and won five – Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Musical. Lyrics and music were penned by Stephen Sondheim and the book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart.

The musical tells the bawdy story of a slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master Hero woo the girl next door Philia, who is a courtesan but also a virgin. The hit song, “Comedy Tonight” opens the show and sets the tone for the entire uproarious romp through Rome! The VBTG performance is directed by Beth McKenzie Shestak with musical direction by Ben Rose, produced by Betty Wilkes, and sponsored by Indian River Estates and ACTS Retirement-Life Community. Joe Langer takes on the challenging role of Pseudolus, Alex Martinez is hilarious as Hero and Tara Giovannone is stunning in the role of Philia. Also among the well-seasoned cast are some welcome new, exciting and very talented actors who are brightening the Guild stage for the first time!

Running from March 12 through 31, performances are Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Matinees at 2:00p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $30 with discounts for students and can be purchased online at VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com or by calling the box office at (772) 582-8300 Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Vero Beach Theatre Guild is conveniently located at 2020 San Juan Avenue in Vero Beach.

This article was distributed through Treasure Coast Business, a news service for the readers and advertisers of Indian River Magazine.