[NEohioPAL] Preview of "Forum" at GLTG

[Bob Abelman]

'Forum' brings slapstick to Chardon

 

Bob Abelman

News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times, Geauga Times Courier

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics 

 

This preview appeared in the News-Herald 3/5/10

 

 "Old situations, new complications, nothing portentous or polite.  Tragedy tomorrow,
comedy tonight!"

 

So begins A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, opening this evening at the Geauga Theater, and no lyric better captures the essence of a play.   

Set in ancient Rome, Forum tells the tale of a conniving slave named Pseudolus, who is owned by the young and innocent Hero.  Pseudolus seeks to win his freedom by offering to help his master win the heart of Philia, a beautiful courtesan in the house of Marcus Lycus, who the shy Hero adores from a distance (the old situation).  Of course, the girl has already been sold to the great warrior Miles Gloriosus (the new complication), who is coming to claim his bride. Let the comedy begin.

"This is an absolutely hilarious play," notes director Karen O'Baker Porter, "and it is funny from start to finish.  It is one of those comedies that just does not let up for a second."

Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart's script has all the makings of an elaborate burlesque skit-an outrageous situation that leads to mayhem, broadly drawn characters, multiple cases of mistaken identity, plenty of slapstick and brilliant one-liners, and one of the best running gags to ever hit the stage.  Forum boasts of delightful music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, written back when Sondheim did not take himself quite so seriously.

This combination of ingredients earned the musical's original 1962 Broadway production several Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The original version also included a significant dose of bawdiness, which this Geauga Lyric Theater Guild production does without.  "We are trying to keep this as family friendly as possible by allowing all the script's innuendo and double entendre to stay under the radar of young audience members but still hit home for those old enough to appreciate it," suggests O'Baker Porter. 

The huge cast is comprised of GLTG regulars as well as some newcomers.  Pseudolus is being played by John Kolar, with Patrick Fagan taking on the role of Hysterium, Pseudolus' partner in crime.  Young Hero is played by Chad Duwe, with Civia Wiesner as his manipulative mother, Domina, and Jim Ray as his browbeaten father, Senex.

Other featured players include Meghan Strong as the object of Hero's desire and Mike Franklin as the immovable object in the way of Hero's desire, the braggart warrior Miles Gloriosus. 

Bob Fadeley plays the running gag, Senex's elderly neighbor Erronius, who has spent the past twenty years searching for his two kidnapped children. 

"Frenzy and frolic, strictly symbolic.  Something for everyone.  A comedy tonight!"

Details

 

What:     A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

When:    Tonight through March 28 (8pm Friday and Saturday, 2pm Sunday). 

Where:   Geauga Theater, 101 Water Street, Chardon.

Tickets:   $15 to $18.

Info:        440-286-2255 or www.geuagatheater.org.
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