A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Casting

A funny thing happened on the way to casting this spring’s musical. The leads uncharacteristically went to third and fourth formers, rather than to older, more experienced students. Students who play leading roles include Nick Vial ‘20, Jessica Garcia ‘19 and Alex Luo ‘19.

The musical comedy, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum!, is the bawdy story of a Roman slave, Pseudolus, and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door.

According to Theater Director Mrs. Dreeke, there is no shortage of talent in the younger forms. “I believe in casting whomever can do the role successfully. We want students to be successful and excited about their roles and their experience in the theater. We also like to give students a chance as soon as we can. It also teaches respect and care for others. As in life, we are not the sole stars of the show.”

She also commented on the devotion and talent of the cast. “Nick is very talented and can sing and has the maturity to handle the work. In fact, it is exciting that the cast in general is new and talented and very dedicated.”

Jessica Garcia ‘19, won the leading female role of Philia. “I think it’s great that underformers are getting the leads because it’s less based on hierarchy but more based on who’s the best for the part,” she said. “It gives everyone the opportunity to play a lead, not just seniors.”

Nick Vial ‘20 said: “It’s a huge responsibility, but it’s a great opportunity and I am very grateful that Mrs. Dreeke has given me this chance.”

Mrs. Dreeke, in her 27th year directing theater productions, remains strongly devoted to the importance of a theater program in a school. To prove her point, she offered this quote from former President John F Kennedy: “The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction in the life of the nation, is very close to the center of a nation’s purpose – and it is the test of the quality of a nation’s civilization.”

There is only a few short weeks until May 12 and 13 when A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum! Opens. Rehearsals are heating up and the excitement is growing. This play has been done at Canterbury twice before to much success. So we can all look forward to a fun night of songs and comedy.