To enhance the Roman theme, the Inspyre Fire Troupe will perform outside the theater at 400 Rose Park Drive from 6:50 to 7:15 p.m. Before taking their seats for the 7:30 curtain, audience members (and passersby) may enjoy the spectacular entertainment the Inspyre Fire Troupe offers with live flames.
Forum, a Tony winner in both its original and revival forms, offers hilarious comedy mixed with Stephen Sondheim music.
Clarence Strickland, whom many remember from Tyler Junior College’s theater program, has built the set designed by stage director Jan Jones. Kevin Burdette is music director, with choreography by Melonye Grant of Dance Your Dreams Studio.
Leading 12 performances of comedy and music in Stephen Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum will be Jim McLane of Tyler as Pseudolus, the clever slave who is determined to be "Free," as he enthusiastically sings in Act One.
Playing Hero, Pseudolus’ love-struck young master, will be Russell McCook of Tyler, a student at Robert E. Lee. The object of his puppylike affections is Philia, played by Amanda Parker of Chandler, a 2009 graduate of Brownsboro High School, who cheerfully acknowledges "I’m Lovely."
"I’m Lovely" is reprised in Act Two by Timothy Brewer of Malakoff as Hysterium, slave to Hero’s mother, Domina (Alana Skylar of Tyler).
Bob Cloos of Tyler is cast as Hero’s father, Senex, who shares "Impossible" thoughts with his son in a hilarious duet.
The neighbors will be played by Bill Burgdorf of Tyler as the entreprenurial Marcus Lycus and Donald Gipson of Tyler as the wandering Erronius.
Popping in and out of scenes as soldiers, servants, Roman citizens, eunuchs, and any other roles that need filling will be the lively Proteans: Jenny Chapman of Tyler, Kolton Culberson of Emory, Randall Harris of Lindale, and Jared Stewart of Tyler.
The beautiful courtesans will be danced by LaQuita Bricka of Tyler (Vibrata), Melonye Grant of Tyler (Tintinabula), Maria Ogburn of Athens (Panacea), and Traci Smith of Chandler (Gymnasia), plus Chapman and Julie Fryman of Tyler as the twin Geminae. Grant, owner of Dance Your Dreams Studio, is also choreographer for the show.
Completing the cast will be Stephen Rainwater of Tyler as the self-admiring Roman warrior Miles Gloriosos, who demands "Bring Me My Bride."
The book, written by Larry Gelbart and Burt Shevelove, is based on the writings of the Roman Plautus, whose plays used the device of the clever slave. As the cast promises in the opening number, there’s a happy ending, of course!The company is under the guidance of Jan Jones of Tyler as stage director and Kevin Burdette of Whitehouse as music director. Cindy Fowler of Tyler is in charge of costume design and construction, assisted by Larry Ashburn, Grant, Pat Grubbs, and Lauren Hutton, all of Tyler. The stage manager is Ann Russell of Tyler, with Samantha Copas-Greene of Tyler at the lighting board and Clarence Strickland of Tyler in charge of set construction. Ashburn is creating such diverse pieces as the Roman soldiers' helmets and the bust of Domina. Musicians Charles Praytor of Lindale and Judy Wilkins of Tyler will play keyboards loaned by Tyler Piano and Organ. Crew members include Shannon Arrant, Donna Cloos, Johnny Loughridge, and Deborah Walters, all of Tyler. Joyce Paro of Tyler and Frances Whiteside of Whitehouse are co-producers.
Performances open July 9 and continue at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday nights, Friday nights, Saturday nights, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoons through July 26.
Tickets are available by clicking here or may be purchased at the box office, 903-592-0561, during regular business hours.
"Tragedy tomorrow, Comedy tonight!"
(Questions? Contact info@tylercivictheatre.com.)
Production Photos
copyrighted by Richard Maher Photography
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