Only the pompous could pooh pooh A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
The rest will revel in this musical farce and emerge light hearted and gleefully unenlightened, into the summer evening.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum has been happening since 1962, starting on Broadway and gathering a long list of slaves, masters, courtesans and accolades. Actually its origins date further back, some 2,000 years, as the play is based on the writings of Titus Maccius Plautus. Apparently the funny bone has not evolved that much.
Set in ancient Rome, the story tells of one day in the life of Pseudolus, a slave sweatfully bargaining for his freedom by attempting to procure the virginal courtesan, Philia, for his lovestruck master, Hero.
It’s not easy. In vaudevillian style, Pseudolus faces many obstacles involving the requisite gender bending, mistaken identities, general deceit, and denouement. Providing these necessities are Hero’s colourful parents, the courtesan pimp, a trumped up Roman captain who has already paid for Philia, a grovelling slave named Hysterium, a feeble Erronius in search of his long lost children stolen by pirates, soldiers, and fellow courtesans. A cast of 18 in all animate these stock characters to pulsating life.
Most of the show, including the songs, are delivered directly to the audience. The orchestra, under Music Director Charles T. Cozens, though out of sight is not out of mind, leading the way with Comedy Tonight and staying with the audience all the way home as Finale Ultimo. Music and lyrics are by the famed composer Stephen Sondheim.
The courtesans and their helplessly upstaged boss, Lycus, played by Nicholas Rice, are beautiful and talented dancers particularly in their individually showcased number The House of Marcus Lycus.
Most notable in his performance is Drayton favourite Keith Savage as “I live to grovel” Hysterium. He is a nervous wreck, his hectic demeanor written all over his versatile face, and driving him further to great agility. Watching him perform is a real, funny pleasure.
Steve Ross, in his Drayton debut, plays Pseudolus. His singing voice is powerful though his role falls into the background. Nathan Lane had received a Tony for that part on Broadway.
Veterans Doug Chamberlain as Senex, and Karen K. Edissi as Domina, play their parental roles as sly fox and battleaxe though they are expertly likeable in both roles.
Elena Juatco as Philia is recognizable as a former Canadian Idol contestant. She is sweet but only occasionally plays daft, as required.
Robert Longo in his Drayton debut as the Captain Miles Gloriosus commands the stage in a performance reminiscent of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. Bring Me My Bride has him in the same comically arrogant state, though also in for a dose of humility.
Kenneth Wickes, who just turned 80, plays Erronius to the hilt. His mere appearance on stage dissolves the audience in laughter as he circles in a befuddled state, proudly announcing his rounds. Thank goodness the audience can still enjoy the nonsense so generously provided.
Costumes are well done though the wigs are a worry. The one set is functional and provides the three adjacent houses, though it is rather drab.
Director Rona Waddington expertly guided this busy production into a still hilarious and joyful show that defies not only sense, but time.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum plays eight times a week through Aug. 9.
Call the box office at 519-638-5555 or 1-888-449-4463, or www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com.
