Expect something a little different when the 100 Mile Performing Arts Society brings A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum to the Martin Exeter Stage, Feb. 23-25 and March 1-3.
It will probably be the last spring production that director Marie Hooper will work on with the troupe, as she plans to head south for a warmer climate next winter. For that reason, she wanted to do something memorable this season and go outside the box of the usual format - boy chases girl, with song and dance throughout.
While Forum features music that might be a little obscure, it's lively and tells the story well. The thing about the play that really excites Hooper is the actors take down the fourth invisible wall on stage that normally separates the audience from the actors, and they draw people in to make them a part of it.
"In this play, we let the audience in and speak to them. Actors go out of character and back in again. It's a little more challenging to let go of how you think you're supposed to do it."
With this classic comedic farce, she thinks they've succeeded in finding a story that will make people laugh.
"You can't take the script literally and we really have more leeway with this one."
She says working this year with a smaller adult cast has been more relaxing than usual and that it has allowed for more interaction all around.
"I can yell at them and be a little more demanding and the actors will just take it in stride and give it right back. It's a play, and that's the operative word. We're taking a little bit of humanity and having some fun with it."
Forum is a comedic farce, suited for an adult audience.
There is one show each night at 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. matinees on Feb. 25 and March 3. Tickets are priced at $15 and available at Donex, Didi's and Curves.
