“A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” At Bay Street In August

Bay Street Theatre will conclude their Mainstage Season this summer with a production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” running from August 6, 2013 until September 1.

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is a comedic musical inspired by the farces of the Ancient Roman playwright Plautus. The musical tells the bawdy story of a slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. The music and lyrics of the show were composed by Stephen Sondheim, winner of a slew of awards including an Academy Award, a record-setting eight Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and eight Grammys. Besides this play, he is perhaps best known as the composer for “Sweeney Todd,” “Into the Woods,” and penning the lyrics for “West Side Story.” Sondheim was joined in the creation of this work by book writers Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart (creator of MASH).

Peter Scolari will star in the production. (Courtesy Photo)

The show’s original 1962 run was quite successful, garnering many accolades including the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Book. This summer’s particular incarnation will be starring Peter Scolari, Conrad John Schuck, Jackie Hoffman, and Stewart Lane. The show will also feature music director Ethyl Will, and will be directed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge.

“Forum is going to be a fantastic show,” says Gary Hygom, Producer for Bay Street Theatre. “We are very happy to welcome Marcia Milgrom Dodge back to Bay Street and are thrilled that Peter Scolari will be joining the cast. This is going to be a grand finale to such a wonderful season!”

Scolari is best known for his roles in “Newhart” (for which he received 3 Emmy nominations), “Honey I Shrunk the Kids,” and his recent role on the HBO hit “Girls.” He has also performed in Broadway shows such as “Hairspray” and “Sly Fox.”

He will be joined by famed Broadway producer and Sag Harbor resident Stewart Lane. Lane is probably best known as a 5-time Tony Award winning producer, most recently receiving the accolade for 2011’s “War Horse,” but he has also earned admiration as an actor after receiving a BFA in acting from Boston University and going on to perform in many off-Broadway theaters.

Dodge, a Tony award-winning director for the Broadway production “Ragtime” and a regular at Bay Street, is returning to the Sag Harbor theatre after previously directing “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Who’s Tommy,” “Once on this Island,” and many others.

Tickets will cost between $67.50 and $79.50, while August 6 will feature a special “Pay What You Can” performance with a limited number of tickets available on that date after 2 p.m. at the Bay Street Box Office. The Box Office is open daily, 11 a.m. till show time.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit baystreet.org or call 631-725-9500.