What would you do for your freedom? Men have gone to war, staged protests, even died, all for the sake of being free.
But what if you had to wager with a procurer, keep a courtesan "chaste" (as if there is such a thing) along with the young man in your charge, and fool a warrior who has just returned from war to claim his virgin bride (who just happens to be the chaste courtesan)? Is being free really worth all that?
These questions and more are answered in Little Theatre of Greeneville Inc. and Theatre at Tusculum's production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." Marilyn duBrisk, artist in residence at Tusculum College, directs the comedy based on the book written by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
No one should miss out on this rollicking feast for the senses, where vaudeville comedy meets up with bawdy Broadway.
In this hilarious adaptation, Pseudolus, a slave to the house of Senex in Rome 200 years before the Christian era, discovers a way to earn his freedom. It seems Hero, son of Senex and the young man in Pseudolus' charge, has fallen in love with a courtesan in the house of ill repute located across the street from his home. If Pseudolus will buy her for him, the young man will grant the slave his freedom. Wes duBrisk's interpretation of Pseudolus is side-splittingly funny, and his looks of exasperation and frustration throughout the play create a sympathy that makes the audience silently cheer him on as he desperately seeks his freedom. His charge Hero, a lusty fellow, is played by Brad Maddux, who not only carries off comedy well, but has an incredible singing talent that alone makes a ticket purchase completely worth the money.
The "chaste" courtesan Philia, the cause of all this chaos and disorder, is played beautifully by the lovely Delina Hensley, who adds a bit of charm to her character's empty-headed ability simply to be lovely. She can't count, she can't add, she can't subtract - but she is lovely, and that's why Hero loves her. In fact, that's why everyone loves her. Hensley's ability to play convincingly a virginal young lady endears her to the audience.
Unfortunately, Philia is owned by Lycus, a money-driven procurer, who is not above resorting to shady business deals where his courtesans are concerned. The character is played so well by Tom Sanders that if those watching did not know better, they would wonder if experience rather than talent was really behind the acting. Sanders brings an air of greediness and cowardice to the stage, redeeming his character to the audience only through a hilarious song and dance routine with three other fellows with whom he shares the stage.
Disorder ensues when Hero takes Philia into his home while simultaneously his father, Senex, returns from a trip, having left his wife on the road to visit her mother (who, it seems, "is 104 and does not have one working organ"). Thinking Philia is the new maid, Senex promptly requests her "services." Senex is played by Bill Brown, who is a credit to the production in that he consistently makes the audience roll with laughter in every scene in which he takes part. Brown wastes no opportunity to draw a laugh from the audience, and, after observing him during the performance, those watching are inclined to be sad at the end of the show, as there is no more Senex to make us laugh.
Senex's wife, Domina, is the ever-suspicious, neglected married woman who, when not referring to her spouse as vermin, is trying to seduce him after 29 years of neglect. When she returns unexpectedly from her trip to see her mother, things really heat up. Pat Brady plays this part well and delights us all with a song of woe and dislikes about her husband. Her strong voice combined with good facial expressions convey to the audience just who is really in charge at the house of Senex.
Add to all this the not-so-humble warrior Miles Gloriosus, who has just returned from war to claim his bride, and a comedy of rapid action really takes off. Joe Morris, who plays Miles Gloriosus, carries off the egotistical air of his character so well, that it is difficult for audience members to not boo him when he struts around as if a woman could do no better than him, and at one point "humbly" refers to himself as "the best."
Also playing a slave to the house of Senex is Hysterium. Played by Tom Sizemore, this character is so tense, that in his musical performance "I'm Calm," Hysterium simply makes himself and the audience more nervous than ever. Sizemore's uncanny knack to wear worry on his face throughout the entire play eventually carries over to those watching, who begin to worry with him that things will never turn out the way they should.
From the beginning to the end of the play, one character, Erronius, is a pitiful, almost blind man searching for his baby son and daughter, who were stolen by pirates. A soothsayer (really Pseudolus in disguise) tells him he must go around the seven hills of Rome seven times before his children's whereabouts may be revealed. Played by Dell Hughes, Erronius unexpectedly appears throughout different scenes as he continues on his quest to find his children. The interruptions grow more humorous each time, but Hughes is so humble in his portrayal of this character that, in the final scene, the surprise ending warms the heart of the audience.
The courtesans, played by Nicole Cox, Christy Hoeke, Crystal Kessler, Lori Paxton-Cheek, Mary Catherine Hayes, Lindsay Hagwood, Kristin Small and Terry Green, are all lovely and distinctive with trademark dances and costumes to help the audience see their individuality. Heather Brace is the choreographer and obviously has a great talent in this area.
The proteans, played by
Brian Lineback, Brett Andrews, Tyler Jones and Melinda Ozment, add comic relief
throughout the play and each does his or her job well.
Also supplying comic relief as a eunich is Frank Mengel, who takes abuse from
everyone on the stage. Mengel, however, serves a two-fold purpose in the production.
He is also the set designer and technical director. The set with its many levels
and complicated doors is impressive and believable. Applause to the construction
crew for such a fabulous job.
Equally impressive are the costumes. Sandy Alter and Ann Birdwell, costume chairs, along with their crew, use vibrant colors to add to the fast-paced comedy.
Others contributing behind the scenes include Andrea Sanders, stage manager, and her crew; Jill Jones and Bobby Dickerson, lighting; Noreen Barrett, make-up coordinator and her crew; Angie Clendenon, music director; David Price, orchestra conductor, and the musicians; the beautifully-talented and faithful Carolyn Gregg, pianist; and many others who have added to what will be a sure success in "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum."
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