Happy Monday, Deac families – and it’s a beautiful one here at Mother So Dear. Saturday night I had the pleasure of attending a reception in honor of Harold Tedford, Professor Emeritus of Theatre, and for whom the Main Stage Theatre has been named. It was a terrific event, full of theatre and dance alumni and friends, as well as faculty and staff.
Wake Forest sophomore Abby Bowman (’18) is Philia, senior Jay Buchanan (’16) is Hysterium, and junior Eli Bradley (’17) is Pseudolus.
Following the reception was a performance of the Sondheim musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, a lilting, sometimes bawdy, delightful musical comedy. If your students did not see it this past weekend, tell them they should run don’t walk to see it this coming weekend.
Everyone in the cast – from the leads to the dancers to the proteans – was just fantastic. They were delightfully charming as actors, strong singers, and excellent comedians. They were clearly having fun with this performance, and there were even moments where the actors came into the audience (my husband was the recipient of a lovely young woman sitting on the edge of his seat as she sang). There was one extra special moment I won’t spoil – your Deacs will have to go themselves to see it.
It was a gorgeous set as well – colorful and vibrant. The costumes were stunning – it was directed by alumnus Mike Baron (’92). So hats off to the director, choreographer, voice coach, and all the cast and crew, not to mention the orchestra, who did a marvelous job with the music. It was a lighthearted and lively 2 1/2 hours and your students will enjoy it. Read the Winston-Salem Journal’s review here.
All in all, a happy musical and a fitting tribute to celebrate a great name in Wake Forest theatre, our very own Harold Tedford.
