
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 15, 1993                   TAG: 9307150019
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: ABINGDON                                LENGTH: Short

MUSICAL COMEDY IS NEXT AT ABINGDON'S BARTER THEATRE

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," a musical comedy set in ancient Rome, opened this week at Barter Theatre.

It is one of Barter's more ambitious presentations with a 21-member cast, three-piece orchestra, lavish costumes and scenic design, and lively dance numbers.

"This is the first time in many years that Barter has mounted a musical production of this kind," said Richard Rose, Barter's artistic director.

"Our audiences have repeatedly asked for musicals at the main stage and we know that `Forum' will satisfy their desire for a big show in the tradition that made America famous for its musical theater," he said.

This kind of play is likely to sell out during its final weeks, which coincide with Abingdon's annual Virginia Highlands Festival, he said, so area residents might want to consider attending in July. The play will run through Aug. 15.

The action revolves around a slave courting a beautiful virgin on behalf of his master. The play by Stephen Sondheim, Larry Gelbert and Bert Shevelove includes the songs "Comedy Tonight," "Free," "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid" and "Lovely."

Dan Schay is director. The play will be performed Tuesday through Sunday evenings and on Wednesday afternoons. Reservations and information are available by calling (800) 368-3240.

by CNB