A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Let's just shout it out and get it over with. There are 10
good reasons why you should go to the Long Beach Playhouse between
now and September 3rd.
(1)--Currently on stage is "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way
to the Forum," with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
(2)--Sondheim is undoubtedly the greatest musical theater
composer in the 20th-century. Using a book by Burt Shevelove and
Larry Gelbart, he created this award-winning Broadway hit in 1962,
and it's been packing in audiences for almost five decades.
(3)--This is the first musical the Long Beach Playhouse has
produced in years. People were so excited when they heard the news,
the theater was completely sold out on opening night.
(4)--Based on the comedies of Plautus, "A Funny Thing Happened"
is a witty farce about the ongoing saga of life/love/power in
ancient Rome--a plot that still packs a wallop and leaves us aching
with laughter.
(5) Directed with panache by Michael Ross (with musical
direction by Bill Wolfe at the piano, and choreography by Marie
Gleerup), this production features a 20-member cast of first-rate
performers that sing, dance, cavort, mug, joke, mimic, and receive
rounds of applause after every number.
(6)--The story revolves around Pseudolus, a very clever slave
who connives non-stop to gain his freedom. On stage throughout the
show, Scott K. Ratner's portrayal is a hoot-and-a-half, and right on
target. When one realizes that Zero Mostel originated the role of
Pseudolus--and it's also been performed by Nathan Lane--that is no
small compliment.
(7)--In addition to Ratner, we must give credit to Karl Schott
as Senex (a man in mid-life crisis with a shrewish wife); Eloisa
Coopersmith as Domina, his better-half; Matt Riggle as Hero, their
love-sick son; Floyd Riggle as Hysterium, their head house slave;
Katherine Waisanen as Philia, the virgin object of Hero's affection;
and Greg Nicholas as Marcus Lycus, who buys and sells courtesans.
(8) Don't you just love the characters' names? Then how about
Panacea, Vibrata, and Gymnasia (sex-pot courtesans played by Vashti
Emigh, Laura Rensing and Jacqueline Case). Or Miles Gloriosus (the
full-of-himself warrior played by Russell Montooth); or Erronius, an
old man who spends his life searching for his kidnapped children
(played by Jerry Loeb).
(8)--You probably know most of the songs already, since they've
become musical theater hits around the world. Starting with
"Tragedy Tomorrow, Comedy Tonight" (which is belted out by the
entire cast to set the tone for the entire work), you'll be
entertained by favorites that bring waves of applause.
Routines such as "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid," "I'm Lovely,"
"Pretty Little Picture" and "That Dirty Old Man" evoke the
rollicking/frolicking style of 1920's vaudeville.
(9)--As usual, Donna Fritsche's costumes knock your eyes out.
Not only did she design togas for the slaves; but sizzling outfits
for each courtesan, dazzling ensembles for the wealthy slave-owners,
delicate white gowns for Philia and her look-alikes, and snappy
uniforms for all of the warriors.
(10)--Well what are you waiting for? Take out your calendar, round
up your family, and make reservations now. Call (562) 494-1014 or
visit www.lbplayhouse.org.
"A Funny Thing Happened" plays Friday-Saturday at 8:00 and
Sunday at 2:00 through Sept. 03. LBP is located at 5021 E. Anaheim
St. near Clark across from the Recreation Park golf course.