A funny, jazzy thing is coming to the Cameri Theatre – a new production of the musical comedy A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum will premiere on January 1, 2014!
“You’re invited into the kitchen,” said Omri Nitzan, at the press meeting that took place this past Sunday, “and I’ll just lift a lid or two to give you a small taste.” From the grand opening number “Comedy Tonight” to the intimate acrobatics of the two young lovers, and some comic moments with the rest of this stellar cast, it looks like he’s cooking up something good. Really good.
The best dishes start with good ingredients, and this musical is no exception. The play is based on the comedies of Roman playwright Plautus (251 – 183 BC), considered by many to be the father of comedy. Nine plays were worked into one, the interconnecting plots all contributing to the comedy, but some of the main influences are the plays Pseudolus, Miles Gloriosus and Mostellaria.
At the heart of the play is the slave Pseudolus (Shlomo Bar Aba), one of the slaves belonging to Hero (Ido Rosenberg), son of Senex (Rami Baruch) and Domina (Irit Kaplan). Hero is in love with the courtesan Phillia (Rona Lee Shimon) a virgin resident of the brothel run by Lycus (Gadi Yagil), waiting to be sold. Pseudolus is intent on becoming a free man, and will do anything, anything to achieve his goal. He makes a pact with Hero to exchange his freedom in return for uniting Hero with his beloved Phillia. Havoc and comedy ensue.
Shlomo Bar Aba is an actor with an incredible range and depth of expression, from irreverent, witty and physical comedy to the poignant vulnerability he revealed in his role as the Talmud professor in Joseph Cedar’s Footnote. He is sure to be a wily and wild Pseudolus. Itay Tiran will play the neurotic head slave Hysterium, and the two actors make great foils for one another.
Nitzan has created a light and lovely physical interpretation of the musical, introducing acrobatics and circus arts in addition to the jazzy dance numbers. Nitzan sees the acrobatics as a “reflection of the characters’ inner emotions,” conveying a sense of “uplifted spirits” and freedom, as when Hero and Philia are literally “floating on love.”
See more photos on Midnight East’s facebook page – click here.
Tickets may be purchased on the Cameri Theatre website.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Based on Plautus, Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart; Director: Omri Nitzan; Translation: Eli Bijaoui; Musical direction and Conductor: Yossi Ben Nun/Tal Blecharovich; Choreography: Chet Walker; Set and Costumes: Orna Smorgonsky; Acrobatics: Keren El Nakwa; Producer: Haim Sela.
Cast: Pseudolus – Shlomo Bar Aba; Senex – Rami Baruch; Domina – Irit Kaplan; Hero – Ido Rosenberg; Hysterium – Itay Tiran; Erronius – Ezra Dagan; Lycus – Gadi Yagil; General Gloriousus – Asaf Parienta; Philia – Rona Lee Shimon.
It’s one of my favorites too!
Hey, why is my avatar purple????
I love this show! I hope these guys do it justice.
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