[NEohioPAL] Review of GLTG's "Forum"

[Bob Abelman]

Something "funny" happening in Chardon 

Bob Abelman

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

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics 

 

This review appeared in the News-Herald 3/12/10

Lyrics from the opening musical number of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum promise "something for everyone.  A comedy tonight!"  That is exactly what is delivered in this Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart play, and in the current Geauga Lyric Theater Guild's production of it.

Set in ancient Rome, Forum tells the wild tale of an ever-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 and intellectually vacant courtesan in the neighboring house of ill repute, who the shy Hero adores from a distance.  Of course, the girl has already been sold to the great warrior Miles Gloriosus, who is coming to claim his bride.

In true burlesque fashion-and make no mistake, Forum is as burlesque as it gets-an absurd plan needs to be hatched in order to undermine the warrior's acquisition, which goes thoroughly and wonderfully astray.  Let the comedy begin.

No crude joke, no sight gag and no opportunity for outrageousness goes unheeded or unrewarded in this play, complemented by Stephen Sondheim's clever and hummable score.  

Sure, some of Forum's 1960's-era bawdiness may seem politically incorrect and a tad sophomoric by today's standards.  But the play is set in ancient Rome, so there is every inclination to do as the Romans do and simply enjoy the tomfoolery.  That appears to be director Karen O'Baker Porter's approach to this play, which makes for an entertaining evening.

Such a play is the perfect vehicle for actors built for burlesque.  The GLTG has found two in John Kolar and Patrick Fagan.

Kolar, as Pseudolus, lacks the endearing clown-like qualities that Zero Mostel brought to the role on Broadway and in the Forum film.  However, he comes fully equipped with a mischievous twinkle in his eye that can be seen from the back rows of the Geauga Theater and is as charming as can be. He successfully seduces the audience into going along for the ride and completely commands the stage as his character manipulates his masters and seizes his freedom.  Kolar is a pleasure to watch. 

Fagan, a string bean of a fellow, bears the perfect physicality for a character named Hysterium.  So frenzied is Fagan, as Pseudolus' sidekick, that it is a miracle he does not implode from hyperactivity or completely wear away under his own kinetic energy.  O'Baker Porter gives him free reign, which leads to some overboard antics, but Fagan's willingness to take risks pays off.  

So good is the writing in Forum that it easily accommodates community players' tendencies to play things too broadly and for laughs. Such is the case in this GLTG production and its enthusiastic assemblage of local favorites. 

So good is the music in Forum that it effortlessly accommodates less accomplished voices without compromising the show's entertainment value.  This, too, comes into play in this GLTG production, as more than one featured player has difficulty hitting the high notes with confidence.  They are not helped by a fine but under-appointed and, thus, unsupportive orchestra.  

Still, there are moments of sheer brilliance in this production, where everything comes together-fine performances, superb musicality and Lisa-Marie French's choreography.  The musical number "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid," featuring Kolar, Fagan, Jim Ray as Hero's wife-whipped father, Senex, and Todd Sarbach as the keeper of the courtesans, Marcus Lycus, is the best example.

When such moments occur, Forum certainly lives up to its promise of "something for everyone."  A comedy tonight at the Geauga Theater. 

 

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum continues through March 28 at the Geauga Theater, 101 Water Street, Chardon.  For tickets, which range from $15 to $18, call 440-286-2255 or visit www.geuagatheater.org.

 
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