Outside Help
“By coincidence, a local director sent her resumé to the Resident Life Department saying she could help us put on a production. With this being a large-scale Broadway musical, we wanted outside help," says Dianne. "so we asked her to come and interview. she’s outstanding." That person is
Mary Valentine King, and she has a long history of directing theatre.
"She came with a lot of catalogs on plays she thought would be good. Together we decided on Forum and at that moment, it was born. it’s going to be great fun. We are not going to play it straight, we are going to parody it," says Dianne.
‘This Can Happen’
Soon after, the musical score came from New York, and it was immediately clear to Dianne and the rest of the people involved that this was not going to be easy. "We’ve been working hard and putting out fires, trying to get everything accomplished. I’ve never produced or directed a Broadway show, but my music background and accounting background make it a fit. This can happen," says Dianne.
Being a large-scale broadway musical, the Theatre at the Pond group knew they couldn’t cut corners on the set.
Streets of Rome
This musical takes place on a street in rome in front of three houses where the main characters live. All of the action takes place on the street in front of these houses. "We have a balcony, and a person on a roof. There are a lot of things involved in this set," adds Dianne.
The incredible talents of the people who live at Brookbsy are making this play possible. Alice Gross, a stage manager by profession who lives at Brooksby, stepped in to be the set designer. "She is designing the set and she has resources, because of her professional experience, who are going to give materials to build the set at very low costs," says Dianne.
Cast of 35
Including the chorus, 35 people were cast in the play, and each brings a different set of talents. "This is great, I'm excited to be a part of it," says
George Heald, who plays the romantic lead hero.
George has not only sacrificed his time and energy to be a part of it, but has also donated his own personal Bachmann hand-painted o-scale train. This limited edition Thomas Kinkade collector’s item was raffled off in order to raise money for the huge production costs.
Triple Threat
Much like Frank Sinatra, Brooksby’s own
Bernie Caron can sing, dance, and act. Bernie, who played the lead role in Brooksby’s last play, Love Rides the Rails, has recently won first prize for his singing in the Tanner city Idols talent contest, and has been taking dance lessons for 15 years.
Bernie’s triple threat talents make him perfect to play the role of hysterium, who is the chief slave in the house of senex. "We’re very busy getting ready, and Dianne is doing such a wonderful job," says Bernie.
"Everything is falling into place beautifully. It's a wonderful world of theatre we are being exposed to and think Theatre at the Pond is a tremendous combined effort," says Dianne. "It will probably be one of the most outstanding resident-driven functions of the year."
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre international (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 west 54th St., New York, NY.
Music and Lyrics by Stephan Sondheim.