May 27, 28, June 2, 3, 9, 10, 1979
When A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was chosen for the 1979 Spring Play, a few folk worried that the show's slightly risque theme might put off some of the audience. But the Players produced an entertaining and amusing play suitable for the whole family.
Stephen Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics for "Forum;" the book was by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. Peter Magee directed the Players' production. Magee and Rhea Natoli teamed up to design the choreography and Frank Trujillo was choral director. Bill Jack was responsible for the fabulous set and Mary Duckering headed costuming.
Among the play's characters is Miles Gloriosus, whom the script describes as an imposing and vain Roman warrior. Frank Trujillo has the imposing build and outstanding singing voice the role calls for, but he is not very tall. Director Peter Magee decided Miles would enter by chariot, declaring his entrance line: "Stand aside, men, I take large steps!"
The cast included two donkeys and a pony. The pony was to pull the chariot, but he wasn't strong enough. So thirteen-year-old John Moen led the pony across stage as the populace shouted "Stop thief!" and the Proteans pulled the chariot on stage.
Almost 3,000 attended the six performances.
