Reviewed by Sondra
Morishima/Sacramento
Stage & Theatre
Walter
Hudson as Senex and Jessica Sheridan as
Domina in the 2006 Music Circus production of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON
THE WAY TO THE FORUM at the Wells Fargo Pavilion August 15–20.Photo by Charr Crail.
Since the
start of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM at Music
Circus, funny things have been happening all over the stage, in the
aisles, and sometimes even among the audience. The musical,
skillfully directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge, is presented by an
incredible cast who is passionate about its characters and consists of
talented singers.
Pseudolus (the gifted and comic James Brennan) is
the slave of young Hero (Ryan Driscoll) and yearns for his
freedom. When he learns of Hero's love for Philia (Ashleigh
Davidson), the beautiful but senseless virgin courtesan living next
door, he bargains for his freedom, promising to unite the two if he in
turn can become a Roman citizen. His scheme is complicated when
he learns that Philia has already been sold by Marcus Lycus (Ron
Wisniski), the courtesan dealer, to the captain Miles Gloriosus
(Christopher Carl).
Soon more people become entangled in the plot -
Hysterium (John Scherer), the slave of Hero's mother overbearing Domina
(Jessica Sheridan), Senex (Walter Hudson), Hero's father, and the
elderly and often unfortunate Erronius (Jim Lane), Hero's other
neighbor. Already the plot is ridiculous. With the addition
of thousands of witty lines embedded throughout the production and the
individual vigor and personal nuances of each character, it seems that
every little detail has been paid equal attention to make this a
thrilling production. Even hilarious comments, referencing such
things as the Rivercats, Vacaville, and the Music Circus stage were
integrated. Nothing was overlooked or compromised.
The costumes, by Leon Wiebers, were wacky on their
own account, often prompting laughter from the audience. The set,
by Michael Schwiekardt, was also not to be overlooked. Everything
ran smoothly, with regards to choreographer DJ Salisbury, and the
acrobatics of the Proteans (Venny Carranza, Brant Michaels, Peyton
Royal) were especially impressive.
The entire production kept the audience on the edge
of their seats, never knowing where the next joke would come from and,
in the end, prompted a well-deserved standing ovation.
Evening performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday
at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are Thursday and Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets for A FUNNY THING... and other Music
Circus shows are $49 for Friday and Saturday evenings, $46 for Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings and Saturday matinees, and $37
for Thursday matinees. Tickets can be purchased by calling (916)
557-1999, in person at the Wells Fargo Pavilion at 1419 H Street,
Sacramento, and through Tickets.com. For more information, visit www.SacramentoMusicCircus.com.
