A Centre County theater company will stage it first musical with a production of a classic comedy by Stephen Sondheim.
Sock & Buskin Theatre Company will present “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” April 30 through May 3 at the The Shop in Zion, 129 Snyder Brook Lane, Bellefonte.
“Both our theatre community and our audiences have been asking for a musical,” Sock & Buskin co-founder Stefanie Austin said in a statement. “We wanted to wait until we had the right team and resources to do it well. That time is now.”
Founded by Austin, Kari Williamson and Gregg Baptista in 2022, Sock & Buskin has quickly grown to become a favorite of the Centre County’s arts community for its original dinner theater productions at Titan Hollow, as well as a variety of plays, staged readings, one-acts and interactive murder mystery parties.
Now it’s expanding its repertoire with a milestone musical.
To do so, the company brought on director and music director Joe Appel, a Brooklyn native who has staged more than 50 musicals in the New York City area. The production will be his third time directing “Forum,” bringing fresh energy and interpretation to the show.
Appel also conducts the production’s live orchestra, something that has become increasingly rare in community theaters that often use pre-recorded tracks as budgets for the arts grow tighter.
“I am grateful that Sock & Buskin has invested in live musicians,” Appel said in a statement. “It enhances how audiences engage with the show as it is truly meant to be experienced.”
As with all Sock & Buskin productions, the cast and crew of “Forum” are local volunteers dedicated to delivering high-quality theatre.
“We are excited to bring the community this classic yet timeless musical,” Austin said. “We are proud of how far we’ve come and grateful for the continued support of the community. We hope to continue bringing a diverse lineup of productions to Centre County for years to come.”
Performances of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” are set for 7 p.m. April 30, May 1 and May 2, and 2 p.m. on May 3.
Tickets are available for purchase online at sockandbuskintc.org/tickets or at the door. Advanced purchase is recommended). General admission seating is $30 for adults (18 to 64 years old) and $25 for seniors (65+), youth (17 and under) and military personnel and veterans.
The show is recommended for teens and older.
A concessions stand on site will serve snacks along with alcoholic (must be 21+) and non-alcoholic beverages.
Guests are invited to bring non-perishable food, personal care items and cleaning products to be donated to the Faith Centre Food Bank
