Riverview Presents 'A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum'

Riverview meets Rome—at least it does in this year's musical.

Next week, students will present "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" at the auditorium.

The musical revolves around neighbors in ancient Rome who live in three adjacent houses.

One is the house of Senex, who lives there with wife Domina, son Hero, and several slaves, including head slave Hysterium and the musical's main character Pseudolus, who is Hero's slave. Another house is owned by Marcus Lycus, who is a buyer and seller of beautiful women, and the other belongs to Erronius, who is abroad searching for his long-lost children.

Pseudolus wishes for his freedom, so he promises to help Hero win the love of character Philia in exchange.

Students have been rehearsing for about three months. Senior John Connolly is playing the role of Pseudolus and senior Devon Accettulla is portraying Domina.

Connolly, who has been participating in the musical for six years, said the show's comedy is what makes it fun.

"Everything is funny," he said. "Every line has a little joke or pun intended."

That's also what makes it tough on the cast, he said.

"Comedy is definitely hard," Connolly said. "Trying to be funny when you're acting is difficult, but we pull it off. The audience will think it's hysterical."

Accettulla agreed.

"I like that the show is different from what we've done before because it's slapstick," she said.

This is Accettulla's third year participating in the musical, but her first as a lead.

"I couldn't believe I got a lead," she said. "I was really happy when I got the part.

"The show is demanding because it's so over the top, but I hope the audience has as much fun with it as we do."

To see the show:

Showtimes will be April 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee on April 15. The cost is $10 for adults, and $8 for adults and senior citizens. Tickets will be on sale at the Tenth Street lobby Monday through Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. or before each show. Tickets can be reserved and picked up during box office hours by calling 412-828-1800, ext. 1038.

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