Valentine's Day great choice for farce, burlesque and the Best Beer in the World

Some folks are enjoying some semblance of a three day weekend around the Valentine's Day trap, with President's Day looming on the horizon, so why not spend some of that time in line with all the beer enthusiasts down on 4th Street? Call in sick or something and make it an impromptu 5-day weekend!

For a limited, very limited, time, 'Pliny the Younger,' the award winning triple IPA so carefully crafted by the fine folks Sonoma County's own 'Russian River Brew Co.' in the heart of downtown Santa Rosa, is available for your consideration..

The line goes out the door and around the block, yes, but that is because the stuff is only available, and this in limited supplies, until Valentine's Day evening. They tapped the first spout on the 1st have a precise allotment that is allowed to go out the door on any given day. That means Thursday morning is your best bet, Bub.

So, dust off your trusty "I can hardly speak to you, Boss, I'm dyin'" voice, blow off your responsibilities and get in line with your less responsible cohorts. Or, if you're lucky enough to have one, an irresponsible girlfriend.

You'll be glad you did.

Either that or you will marginalize your entire future for a chance to get schwilly on the good stuff.

If you are able to resist such temptation, or that simply isn't your bag, and prefer a lighter air for your romantic festivities, get your tickets now for the expertly produced 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' at Rohnert Park, California's Spreckel's Auditorium.

The New Spreckels Theatre Company, under the direction of Gene Abravaya, presents the final weekend of Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award winning Greek farce, 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' with a brilliant cast, top notch sets and lighting, and non-stop "gaffes, goofs and guffaws" for more than just the theater aficionado.

'A Funny Thing' is based in the classic Greek style of the hero's quest, interspersed with tragedy and absurdity.

In the opening number, the well known and much beloved Pseudolus leads the chorus in the promise that this will be a "Comedy Tonight" and that is a promise that the entire team keeps. No tragedy in this house.

It is indeed a comedy of Greek proprtions, rife with cases of mistaken identity, unrequited love, and infidelity (think Jack Tripper juiced on gladiator sauce), as Pseudolus, a Greek slave, attempts to buy his freedom through the efforts of acquiring a comely, though ditzy, courtesan as the living embodiment of the unattainable, for his young and hormone laden master.

Ribald, bawdy and knee-slappingly hilarious, 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' is running at 7:30 p.m. Thursday the 14th, aka Valentine's Day, through the weekend ending with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. That means only 4 shows left.

Make a lasting memory with someone special or make a refreshing impression on someone new. Live theater is not only alive and vital in the world, it is a communal experience, requiring the members of the cast to be at one with the audience, as the audience must engage its full awareness in order to feed the illusion of what is presented. It becomes more alive with attention, eagerness and fulfillment.

Give it your all. That's how it works best.

Tickets are $20 - $26, students to general admission, and available at the box office or call 707-588-3400.