FOLSOM — Togas, mistaken identities and nonstop comedy are set to take over Historic Folsom next weekend as Sutter Street Theatre prepares to open one of Broadway’s most celebrated musical farces, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
Opening May 30 and running through June 28, the production brings the legendary Stephen Sondheim musical comedy to the intimate stage in the heart of Folsom’s Historic District, where audiences can expect a fast-moving evening filled with chaos, romance and outrageous humor.
Directed by Kenny Brian Gagni, with musical direction by Hannah Hurst and choreography by Jeannie Larson, the production features the award-winning book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, paired with Sondheim’s iconic music and lyrics.
First debuting on Broadway in 1962, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum became one of Stephen Sondheim’s earliest major hits and earned the Tony Award for Best Musical. Inspired by the ancient Roman comedies of playwright Plautus dating back more than 2,000 years, the production blends classic farce, vaudeville-style humor, mistaken identities and slapstick comedy into what many theater historians still regard as one of Broadway’s greatest musical comedies. The original Broadway production famously starred Zero Mostel and later inspired a successful 1966 film adaptation.
The musical is also remembered for introducing audiences to the now-iconic opening number “Comedy Tonight,” a song many theater fans still associate with Sondheim’s legendary career. Over the decades, the production has seen several major Broadway revivals featuring stars including Nathan Lane and Whoopi Goldberg, while its fast-moving “door-slamming farce” style continues to influence modern stage comedy today.
The story follows Pseudolus, a crafty slave determined to gain his freedom by helping his young master Hero win the affection of Philia, a beautiful but naïve courtesan. What follows is a whirlwind of disguises, secrets, mistaken identities, slammed doors and comedic confusion as the plot spirals into complete chaos.
“Sondheim’s joyous musical romp through Rome has desperate lovers, scheming neighbors and secrets behind every toga,” the theater shared in announcing the production.
Known for staging a wide range of productions from Broadway musicals and dramas to family theater and original works, Sutter Street Theatre continues to serve as one of the region’s longtime destinations for live entertainment. Located at 717 Sutter Street in Historic Folsom, the venue’s intimate setting often places audiences just feet away from the performers, creating an immersive theater experience unique to the local arts scene.
Performances of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum are scheduled Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4:30 p.m. through June 28. The production is rated PG-13 and includes mild adult themes.
Alice in Wonderland continues family theater run
While Forum brings Broadway-style comedy to evening audiences, Sutter Street Theatre is also continuing its family theater production of Alice in Wonderland during daytime performances.
The classic fantasy adventure follows Alice as she tumbles into a whimsical world filled with colorful characters, bizarre encounters and imaginative storytelling that has entertained generations of families. The production continues the theater’s tradition of offering family-friendly live entertainment alongside its larger musical productions.
Family audiences attending Alice in Wonderland can expect a playful stage experience featuring familiar characters, whimsical costumes and interactive moments designed to capture the imagination of younger viewers while remaining entertaining for adults.
Together, the two productions showcase the broad range of programming currently taking place at the Historic Folsom theater, offering everything from classic Broadway comedy to children’s fantasy adventures.
Tickets and additional information for both productions are available through Sutter Street Theatre.
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