‘A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum’ is a non-stop laugh-fest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful but slow-witted courtesan named Philia, for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors, and a showgirl or two. This unforgettable, hysterical musical allows a terrific ensemble of comedic actors to shine – “something for everyone, a comedy tonight!”
The Empress Theatre is excited to announce auditions for the second show of our historic 10th Season ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum’. Location: Empress Theatre 9104 West 2700 South, Magna, UT 84044
Auditions will be held at the Empress Theatre on Tuesday December 8th & Thursday December 10th from 7pm-9pm. Callbacks will be held on Saturday December 12th by invitation only.
Auditioners should come prepared with one minute of a song in the style of the show on a minus track. We prefer no A’Capella singing. No accompanist provided. The director would also like to hear a short comedic monologue. If you do not have one prepared, there will be sides available to read at auditions.
Auditions are open to those 16 & up.
Performances run February 19 – March 12, 2016 on Friday and Saturday nights, with a Saturday afternoon matinee on February 27th & a Monday family night performance on March 7th.
Directed by: Kyle Esposito
Cast of Characters: (ages listed are those of the character, not necessarily the actor)
Prologus (Baritone 30-50)
Introduces the audience to the comedy they are about to see.
Pseudolus (Baritone, 30-50)
A Roman slave, owned by Hero, who seeks to win his freedom by helping his young master win the heart of Philia. Quick-witted, scheming, childlike spirit.
Senex (Baritone, 40-65)
A dirty old man & father to Hero, husband to Domina.
Domina (Mezzo, 40-55)
Mother to Hero, dominating wife of Senex and ruler of the house. Outwardly controlling, demanding & manipulative.
Hero (Tenor, 17-30)
The young son of Senex and Domina. He falls in love with Philia and agrees to give Pseudolus his freedom if he can help Hero woo her. Practical, privileged, romantic.
Philia (Soprano, 16-25)
A lovely but air-headed courtesan from Crete who belongs to the house of Lycus. In love with Hero, but promised to Miles Glorious. Young, pretty, devoted. An archetypal ingénue.
Hysterium (Baritone, 30-50)
The fervent leader of the slaves. Anxious, conservative, loyal. He desperately wants everything to be in order.
Marcus Lycus (Baritone, 30-65)
The owner of the house of Courtesans. Always out to make a profit, but also wants to provide good on what his business offers.
Miles Gloriosus (Operatic Baritone, 25-45)
An arrogant but strong warrior. The archetype of the braggart soldier. A captain in the Roman army to whom Marcus Lycus has promised Philia.
Erronius (Baritone, 65-85)
A feeble old man searching for his son and daughter who were stolen by pirates.
Tintinabula, Vibrata, Panacea, The Geminae, Gymnasia (Mezzo, 16-25, strong dance)
Courtesans from the house of Lycus.
Proteans (Various, 18-50)
Three omnipresent “clowns.” Various vocal ranges. “Three Stooges” types who appear in a number of roles as extras in many scenes.
Ensemble (16-65)
Most characters require light dancing ability, although certain characters (especially the courtesans) should have very strong dance skills.
Post expires at 12:00am on Friday December 11th, 2015