Theatre Works production of 'Forum' gives audiences a great escape with lots of laughter
By Frank O'Donnell
Valley Breeze Entertainment Writer
There's something funny going on in Woonsocket.
And you can thank the folks at Theatre Works for providing a nice dose of laughter just when we need it most.
Their current production of "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum" will have you laughing all the way to Rome and back.
"Forum" is a farce all the way - as the show's first song promises, "Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!" It's the tale of a manipulative slave who yearns for freedom in ancient Rome. In order to get what he wants, Pseudolus is willing and almost able to get those who can help him whatever they want.
The show is smart and funny and fast-moving, thanks in large part to the excellent script coauthored by Larry Gelbart (who later gave the world "M*A*S*H"). And thanks to some excellent casting, the Theatre Works "Forum" has become one of the perennial favorites of community theaters in our area. In the past couple of years, the show has also been produced at City Nights in Pawtucket and Mill River Dinner Theater in Central Falls.
Because the productions are all in such a tight radius of one another -and share the same audience base -it's up to the producers and director of each show to come up with a way to make their show a little different from the rest.
Director Connie Anderson and crew succeed from the very beginning with an outstanding set - three very distinct houses, each with a character of its own. As the characters are introduced by Pseudolus, some of their history is pantomimed with the help of a strobe light. It's an excellent production element, and one that steps in nicely where dialogue normally dwells. The strong cast does a great job with this version of "Forum."
Ryan Latour plays Hero, son of Senex and master of Pseudolus, an interesting bundle of innocence and lust. He's mesmerized by the virgin Philia,and has promised Pseudolus his freedom if Pseudolus can help him win her affections. Latour plays Hero like a deer caught in the headlights of his hormones, and it works nicely.
John Pacheco's portrayal of Roman Captain Miles Gloriosus is self-absorbed, watching the rest of the world revolve around him. He is pure magnificence, but able to show his weak side in a funny way. Pacheco is strong in the role.
Christopher Kibbe hits some high notes as Senex, father of Hero, who manages to lust after just about every woman in town except for his wife, Doming. He's especially funny in his performance of "Everybody Ought To Have A Maid."
As Doming, Lisa Forsgard is powerful and overpowering. She wears the pants in her family, but shows her weak side while fawning over Miles Gloriosus.
Steven Slate has some wonderful moments as Hysterium, the chief slave in Senex's household. He lives up to his name in a very funny way, getting overwrought and overheated as Pseudolus's plans begin to unravel. He could easily be renamed Hilarium for his portrayal as the corpse of Philia in the funeral sequence.
The glue that holds this show together is Mark Anderson in the main role of Pseudolus. I've long been a fan of Anderson, since watching him masterfully play Fagan in "Oliver!" on the Theatre Works stage. It's been a while, though, since I've seen him play a big role, and it's nice to see him getting so much stage time, especially in a role that seems tailor made for him. Anderson's got a tremendously expressive face, an interesting athleticism in his movements and impeccable timing. And there's always a sparkle in his eye that tells you just how much he enjoys what he's doing.
If you're looking for a good laugh, "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum" is sure to deliver. And I'm happy to report that despite some sexual innuendo, it's probably okay to bring the kids. I brought my 9-year-old, Patrick, and he particularly enjoyed the big chase sequence in the middle of the second act.
"Forum" runs at Theatre Works on Earle Street in Woonsocket through March 29. Check out their website at www.TWRI.org for complete details.
The Valley Breeze, Entertainment section, March 20, 2003.