Ann Sobrato High School Drama Department, under the direction of Mark Masoni, treated the Morgan Hill community to two weeks of musical comedy with its rendition of
‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ April 24 to May 5.
Chase Ross played Pseudolus, a hilarious and cunning slave who labors to unite his lovesick master – Hero, veteran David Alvarez with the courtesan Philia, portrayed by Ashley Flippo.
Pseudolus, however, met his comedic match with Hysterium, Lisette Konynenberg, chief slave to the house of Senex. Frenetic and differential, Hysterium acted as the perfect foil to the cocky and quick Pseudolus.
The Roman farce was full of surprises as old Erronius, Ana Cervantes, searched for his long lost children and cunning disguises with Domina, Alissa Davi, in search of her philandering husband.
There were courtesans, Catherine Connor, Lauryn Geimer, Alena Lawson, Amanda Perry and Chastity Zamora, as well as dancers and prancers, Kori Dupin, Courtney Fuhriman, Kayla Merten, Raquel Moore, Kelli Ryan and Marianne Wentworth.
Baritones and basses such as the pompous Miles Gloriosus, John Baker, and a panderer/procurer of women – Lycus, Dorion Wordlaw, fleshed out more of the cast.
Sarah Greenland impersonated the philandering Senex and added to the gender-confused comedy, along with the Protean tumblers, fumblers and bumblers, Natasha Chavez,
Justin Haim and Rachel Nin.
Through the goodness and badness of men in their madness, stage manager Jessica Hurtado and assistant Maycen Gillespie made the show a success.
The additional creative energy of orchestra conductor Erik Kalish and his fine musicians, along with guidance of vocal director Lon Flippo, provided the music for the show. Light director Anna Reichartz, sound director Max Markarian and makeup team Alyx Fischer and Kayleigh Larner all contributed with their special expertise.
Set concept was courtesy of Student Technical Director Daniel Burke while costume design and production were provided by Beth Pool and her fashion design students. The stage crew of Emma Lawrence and Trevor Newcomb offered behind-the-scenes support. They conspired to give their audience a great comedy every night.
