Van Buren Players announce cast for upcoming musical

The Van Buren Players have chosen the cast for their winter musical, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”

Broadway's greatest farce is light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent and one of the funniest musicals ever written. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from time-tested, 2,000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright, Plautus, with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a nonstop laughfest 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.

Leads include: John Calahan as Pseudolus, Emily McIntyre as Philia, Isaiah Meek as Hero, David Atwood as Hysterium, Tom Vorhees as Senex, Vicki Robertson as Domina , Heather Charbonneau as Madam Lycus, Tom Allen as Miles Gloriousus and Shirley Lindel as Erronius.

Proteans will be played by Mike Plecker, Ann DeHart, Lilah Hawkins and Tanner Bruckman.

Chorus: Shannon Garrels, Sydney Meirotto, Tiffany Burchett, Autumn Calahan, Tracy Shaw, Melanie Norton, Emma Crandell, Lilly Berner, Kat Wyatt, Alex Riley, Jackson Meek and Cecelia Shaw.

Production dates are February 24, 7:30; February 25, 7:30; and February 26, 2:00 at the Roberts Building in Keosauqua. Tickets will go on sale in February and can be reserved by contacting 1st Iowa State Bank in Keosauqua: 319-293-3794.