County Players showcase volunteer local theatre in 'Forum'
No one can deny the impact local volunteers have on our area. These volunteers create thriving communities and it just so happens that we live in a place that is bustling with volunteer-run organizations. County Players, located in the village of Wappingers Falls, is one such organization. One of the longest running community theatre companies in our area, County Players is an all-volunteer organization which has presented more than 200 productions and has served thousands of theatergoers since 1958. Currently running through May 22, audiences can enjoy Stephen Sodheim’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opened on Broadway in 1962 at the Alvin Theatre then moved to the Mark Hellinger Theatre and ended at the Majectic Theatre in 1964. The comedy ran for 964 performances and eight reviews. It was revived on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in 1972 and in 1996 at the St. James Theatre, where it ran for 715 performances.
This story will have audiences laughing in their seats with shenanigans and hijinks as a lowly servant, Pseudolus, endeavors to manipulate his way to freedom. With desperate lovers, scheming neighbors, and scandalous secrets behind every door. This joyous romp of a musical gives off the infectious energy of slapstick comedy and vaudeville. Every actor who has opened in the role of Pseudolus on Broadway (Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, and Nathan Lane) has won a Best Leady Actor Tony Award for his performance.
The production features talented performers from across the region: Connie Boden, Mike Boden, Andrea Buergers, Philip Corso, Elizabeth Crew, Lisa Delia, Emma Hempel, Karen Hoben, John Leinung, Ethan Maslyn, Mark Moody, Glen Morrice, Emily Schaffer, Kate Schaffer, Laura Seaman, Eero Vaitkus, Chris Vallone, Bob Williams, and Robert Yarnall. Another delightful part of supporting community theatre is that you might see someone you interact with in your day-to-day life in a very different way. You might find out your accountant, veterinarian or school teacher has some incredible talents that you had no idea about.
Director David Ringwood says, ”We had been in rehearsal in 2020 and forced to “paused” due to COVID-19, so after the recent challenging years it’s exciting to finally bring this show to stage, and offer a break from everyday concerns and enjoy an evening of classic musical theatre and some silliness, fun, and laughter."
Running about two and a half hours with one 15-minute intermission, this truly talented cast, crew and pit orchestra brings an unforgettable story to the Hudson Valley. Hysterically funny with an ensemble of actors who compliment each other very well, there is “something for everyone…..a comedy tonight!”
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas is the director of development and marketing for Arts Mid-Hudson. Art From Here appears every other week. Contact her at 845-454-3222 or melissa@artsmidhudson.org.
If you go
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum2681 West Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590Open through May 21 Friday and Saturday May 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 8 p.m., with matinees at 2 p.m. on Sundays, May 14 & 21 and Saturday May 20.Box Office: 845-298-1491countyplayers.org
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: County Players' performance of 'Forum' showcases best of local theatre
