A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Broadway's greatest farce is light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent and one of the funniest musicals ever written. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from time-tested, 2000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright, Plautus, with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a nonstop laughfest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful, but slow-witted, courtesan named Philia for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors and a showgirl or two.
This unforgettable, hysterical musical allows a terrific ensemble of comedic actors to shine – "something for everyone, a comedy tonight!"
Show Essentials
Songs
That Dirty Old Man
That'll Show Him
Funeral
Overture
Comedy Tonight
Love, I Hear
Free
Lovely
Pretty Little Picture
Everybody Ought to Have a Maid
I'm Calm
Bring Me My Bride
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Questions & Answers
Gender Switch?
Does the licensing agreement allow for gender switching as has been allowed in the past? I’m specifically referring to Whoopi Goldberg as Pseudolus. Thanks for the help!
If a show is currently restricted, does it say so on the website?
Optional instrumentation for Forum
Concert Selections for A Funny Thing... Forum
MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
| Part Name | Doubling | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| FULL SCORE | 1 | |
| PIANO/VOCAL SCORE | 12 | |
| REED 1 | Clarinet, Piccolo, Flute | 3 |
| REED 2 | Clarinet | 1 |
| REED 3 | Clarinet | 1 |
| REED 4 | Bass Clarinet | 1 |
| REED 5 | Flute, Clarinet | 2 |
| TRUMPET 1 | 1 | |
| TRUMPET 2 | 1 | |
| TRUMPET 3 | 1 | |
| TROMBONE 1 | 1 | |
| TROMBONE 2 | 1 | |
| TROMBONE 3 | 1 | |
| PERCUSSION 1 & 2 |
PERCUSSION 1: Timpani, Bells, Slap-Stick, Xylophone PERCUSSION 2: Drum Set, 2 Woodblocks, Cowbell, Chinese Cymbal, Bass Drum |
3 |
| HARP | 1 | |
| PIANO | (Can also be used as Piano/Conductor) | 1 |
| VIOLINS | 17 | |
| VIOLA | 7 | |
| CELLO | 6 | |
| BASS | 5 |
Please Note: In some instances (i.e. Reeds, Percussion, etc.), additional copies of parts may be provided, in the event you wish to split out the doublings to multiple players.
A Concert/Symphonic Arrangement has been specifically written for use in a concert setting. Generally this means it features a larger, typical symphonic orchestration than what you may find in the show. It is meant to be performed without singers.
| Part Name | Doubling | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| FULL SCORE | 1 | |
| FLUTE 1 | 1 | |
| FLUTE 2 | 1 | |
| FLUTE 3 | +Piccolo | 1 |
| OBOE 1 | 1 | |
| OBOE 2 | 1 | |
| CLARINET 1 | B♭ Clarinet, E♭ Clarinet | 1 |
| CLARINET 2 | B♭ Clarinet, Bass Clarinet | 1 |
| CLARINET 3 | B♭ Clarinet | 1 |
| BASSOON 1 | 1 | |
| BASSOON 2 | +Contrabassoon | 1 |
| HORN 1 | 1 | |
| HORN 2 | 1 | |
| HORN 3 | 1 | |
| HORN 4 | 1 | |
| TRUMPET 1 | 1 | |
| TRUMPET 2 | 1 | |
| TRUMPET 3 | 1 | |
| TROMBONE 1 | 1 | |
| TROMBONE 2 | 1 | |
| TROMBONE 3 | 1 | |
| TUBA | 1 | |
| PERCUSSION 1 & 2 | Xylophone, Handheld Cymbal, Glockenspiel, Woodblock, Mark Tree, Flexatone, Tambourine, Tuned Tom Toms, Small Splash Cymbal, Small Triangle, Tuned Woodblock, Finger Cymbal, Vibraphone, Ratchet, Slide Whistle, Ooga Horn | 2 |
| PERCUSSION 3 & 4 | Timpani, Tight Snare, Bass Drum, Bell Tree, Mouth Siren, Mounted Cymbal, Rubber Duck, Cow Bell, Sandpaper Block, Chimes, Handheld Cymbal, Firebell, Bulb Horn, Slap Stick, Crow Call | 2 |
| PIANO | +Celesta | 1 |
| HARP | 1 | |
| VIOLIN 1 | 8 | |
| VIOLIN 2 | 8 | |
| VIOLA | 7 | |
| CELLO | 6 | |
| BASS | 5 |
Please Note: In some instances (i.e. Reeds, Percussion, etc.), additional copies of parts may be provided, in the event you wish to split out the doublings to multiple players.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.