By Mary Garlitz
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, first appeared on Broadway in 1962 winning the Tony that year for Best Musical. It had two successful revivals in 1972 and again in 1996 as well as uncounted professional productions all around the world. This great show was also made into a movie in 1966 and showcases some of the era’s best actors. With songs by Stephen Sondheim, this hilarious comedic farce is the story of one man’s quest for freedom and the complete absurdity he will go through to make that happen.
I had the opportunity to see this funny, funny show at the Echo Theater in Provo. I had to admit that I was a little apprehensive. I have been in a couple of shows at the Echo and have seen quite a few, each with small casts and all done really well. I was concerned going in how they would pull off the “bigness” required for this loud farce. I have to say– they knocked it out of the park. They filled the stage but the scale and scope worked perfectly for the type of show this is. Dan Whiting’s set was simple in design and very traditional for the show. However, I found it colorful and delightful without being overbearing to the actors or the size of the stage. It actually made the smaller size of the stage seem bigger. My only grumble would be that you could hear the actors getting ready to start the show and see the curtains/doors moving a little. It is understandable with the small backstage area they have to work with.
The costumes by Sadie Perkins were simple and worked well for the slaves and proteans. The courtesan costumes were unique and helped characterize each girl. Beware that some of the men’s costumes are short and there were some moments I was sure glad they all had shorts on as the audience is right at leg height. That being said, I enjoyed the amount of “leg” shown and they even played that aspect of the costumes up right in the show.
The acting was superb and I enjoyed nearly every minute of the show. The pacing was perfect and even a little frantic at times in keeping with the farcical nature of the musical. Jeffrey Blake as the conniving Pseudolus was absolutely hilarious. He kept the audience laughing nearly the whole show. The same can be said of Tyler Harris as the hysterical Hysterium. Both Lennika Wright and Hannah Roskelley were able to hold their own with these funny men and stay right on pacing with everything that was going on. I especially enjoyed Miss Roskelley’s “Lovely” delivered with serious humor. Brian Kesler as Lycus was perfectly creepy and David Thorpe as the lecherous father was equally funny and mildly disturbing at the same time. My daughter and I also truly loved Jakob Tice as Erronius, the elderly neighbor. His characterization was perfect and we couldn’t wait for him to come out on stage each time. Perhaps our favorite characters were the Proteans who filled many roles on stage all with completely hilarity. Kai Hansen, Garret Smit, Adam Johnson and Mike Hanks nearly stole the show with their reactions and antics. David Lassetter was also great as the blustering Miles Gloriosus (see leg remarks above!)
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Director Steven Aaron did a great job in bringing out the best in his performers and should be commended for that. It was really well done. I enjoyed the live orchestra as well and felt they did a great job with the music and I commend music director Julianne Blake, although at times it was a little loud for my taste and wanting to hear the great singing going on stage. Choreography by Melissa Aaron Higley was also very delightful.
I really enjoyed the chase scene at the end of the show and felt Aaron did a great job with this farce cliché. It was not overdone, and could have dragged the show out too long, but he made it enjoyable and willed the audience to see what would happen next.
My only caveat with this show is that I would not take children under say 13 as there is a ton of innuendo in the script. The cast handled the delivery well and made it funny without being overtly 11-year-old potty humor. But it is in the show and if this bothers you– beware.
Overall, my 16-year-old daughter and I had a fantastic time at this musical. I would go see it again just for the laughs. Be aware The Echo is a small theater and the chairs are not super comfortable but it was worth the effort and if you go you will not be disappointed.
This show runs at The Echo Theatre in Provo just off Center St and 100 East. It runs Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 PM through March 29th. Tickets are available online for $10 or for $12 at the door. Visit their website at www.theechotheatre.com or call 801.358.6623.
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