Sondheim Meets Roman Farce In Forum at Phoenix
Phoenix Ensemble's upcoming production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is taking comedy all the way back to its roots – to Ancient Rome!
Running over five weekends from 7 August at Beenleigh’s boutique Pavilion Theatre, Forum delivers an almost constant stream of gags and upbeat songs.
Set 200 years before Christ, the Stephen Sondheim musical is inspired by thefarces of Roman playwright Plautus. It tells the tale of a crafty slave who struggles to win the hand of a beautiful but slow-witted courtesan for his young master, in exchange for freedom.
It’s got all the staples of a classic farce, including mistaken identity, slamming doors and bad puns, and director Michael Skelton promises to send audiences home smiling. In fact, he says they’ll do more than laugh - they'll also be part of the show.
"Our twist on this musical comedy is to smash down the fourth wall - the wall between performers and the audience - on the first page. The cast interacts with the crowd and uses all the space in the theatre. The stage can't contain the show!"
Michael says the show has retained it popularity over many years because it delivers 100% comedy.
“Most comedies have that one serious song or scene that seems out of place. Forum is just jokes from start to finish. There are literally two jokes on every page. The script is 110 pages, so I'm guaranteeing 220 jokes.
"Quite simply, it's a funny show that doesn't take itself too seriously. You produce shows you hope the audience will have a good time with, because no one wants to pay to be depressed. Forum was a no-brainer. Great songs, rapid-fire jokes and great roles for talented performers.
"The only unexpected thing we've encountered is some of the togas are a little short.... and that's just on some of the men…”
Michael says to be prepared to see it at least twice, “because you'll miss something through spasms of laughter”.
The production features musical direction by Christine Leah and choreography by Stewie Matthews.
Venue: Pavilion Theatre, Beenleigh Showgrounds, James Street, Beenleigh, Queensland
7.30pm: 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 August and 4, 5 September
Tickets: $26 adult, $24 concession and children
Bookings: 3103 1546 or online: www.phoenixensemble.com.au
Images: Will Boyd & Connor Bryant, Will Boyd Isaac Tibbs and Bethany Alexander.
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