HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-09-10, Page 23It’s a ‘Forum’ for laughter, the
deep, rich, life-affirming belly kind.
Stratford’s Avon Theatre’s
presentation of the musical comedy
A Funny Thing Happened on the
Way to the Forum, delivers a blend
of fun and nonsense with a sprinkle
of quality and dash of panache.
Larry Gelbart and Burt Shevelove
researched the works of ancient
Roman playwright Plautus to create
their book, which results in a tale
that takes farce to a whole other
place. But not one without a serious
corner here and there, though you
have to manage a moment to take a
breath between chuckles to reflect
on it.
At the heart of the story is the love
of Philia, a virgin, and Hero, the son
of Domina and Hysterium. But
pushing the plot and mayhem
forward is Pseudolus, the slave and
his quest for freedom.
Hero has fallen in love with Philia,
having glimpsed her in the window
of the home of Marcus Lycus, “a
buyer and seller of courtesans”. In
exchange for his freedom, Pseuolus
tries to get the virgin from Marcus
Lycus, only to discover that she has
been sold to captain Miles
Gloriosus.
From there it’s a journey along a
riotous Roman road.
Further entertainment comes from
the genius of Stephen Sondheim,
whose music blends to perfection
with the comic story.
The cast is a blast. While Bruce
Dow had been praised for his work
in the role of Pseudolus, a recent
injury has seen him replaced by Seán
Cullen. However, on this evening the
striped tights were still being donned
by the lesser-known understudy
Randy Ganne. There was never a
sense that we were missing
something, as he handled the role
with a breezy charm, all the comic
grimaces and tics well placed.
The Proteans, Jordan Bell,
Stephen Cota and Julius Sermonia,
give new meaning to quick change
as they doff and don a variety of
costumes and characters. From the
slapstick to the ridiculous they were
madcap perfection.
Randy Hughson is a self-mocking
Senex, delighting with his tongue-
in-cheek remarks and cheeky grin,
while Stephen Ouimette as his slave
Hysterium is a toga full of tightly-
wound energy.
As Hero Mike Nadajewski is
sweetly nerdish, while Chilina
Kennedy yet again enchants with her
lovely, whimsical Philia.
And Dan Chameroy, whose
wonderful pipes and thick tresses
have been in roles throughout
several Stratford seasons is the
quintessential shallow Adonis, a
vainglorious warrior of jutting jaw
and bulging biceps.
Costumes by Dana Osborne and
set by John Arnone are colour and
fun, while Wayne Cilento’s
choreography combines agility and
acrobatics with musicality and
grace, sprinkled of course with a
lively dash of fun.
Everyone knows a good laugh is
good for the soul. Directed by Des
McAnuff, this A Funny Thing
Happened on the Way to the Forum
is not just entertainment, it’s therapy.
The production is at the Avon
Theatre until Nov. 1.
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009. PAGE 23.Entertainment Leisure&Theatre reviewA ‘Forum’ for plenty of laughter at Avon
Good fun
The Avon Theatre’s production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a
zany romp down a Roman road. In back, from left: Proteans, Julius Sermonia and Stephen
Cota. Front: Cliff Saunders as Marcus Lycus, Chilina Kennedy as Philia, Dan Chameroy as
Miles Gloriosus and Brian Tree as Erronius. (David Hou photo)
Happy 50th Anniversary
Dorothy & Frank Johnston
(Sept 12, 2009)
Love from Your Family!
Happy Birthday
Grandpa
(Jim Walsh)
We love you
Brookie, Bailey & Abby
Happy 60th
Birthday
Rikie
VandenHeuvel
September 13th
Love from your family
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen
Head.
Heart.
Hands.
Health.
Help Wanted.
Right now, 4-H needs volunteers to work with youth in
your area. We also need you to encourage neighbours
and co-workers to do the same. Join for the projects, for
the competitions, for everything that helped you get
where you are today.
4-H-Canada.ca/join_again
Please help us celebrate the
50th Wedding Anniversary
for
Doug and Florence
Machan
Saturday, September 19
from 2:00 ~ 4:30 pm
Come and Go at
Jim and Linda McDonald’s
43010 Moncrieff Rd., Brussels
Best wishes only please or
donations will be accepted for
Huron County Food Bank.