RECOMMENDED
Just like those famous lines proclaim in its brilliant opening number, there really is “something for everyone” in Marriot Theatre’s laugh-a-minute revival of “A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, ” Broadway’s 1962 musical-theatre valentine to vaudeville. Close to the show’s finale and by the time that three actors scurry about the stage dressed as the same golden-haired courtesan on the run from a handful of lustful Romans, the pre-coital comedy confusion that is “Forum” (courtesy of legendary funny men and book writers Larry Gelbart and Burt Shevelove) has just about skewered everything in its path: from vapid lovers to the geriatric; effeminate pimps to dumb blondes; eunuchs to erotic pottery. It’s sublime stuff for a musical that simply concerns itself with a wily Roman slave who will do anything (including getting his master laid) for his own freedom. The ambient challenges of theatre-in-the-round are in Marriott’s production a boon for a script whose laughs depend upon close-call run-ins and slapstick entrances and exits. As such, Dominic Missimi has directed the frenetic pace with the calm expertise of an air-traffic controller. A sweet and funny score by musical-theatre doyen Stephen Sondheim is the icing on an already very-rich cake. (Fabrizio O. Almeida)
Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, (847)634-0200. Wed 1pm & 8pm/Thu-Fri 8pm/Sat 5pm & 8:30pm/Sun 1pm & 5pm. Through Sep 11.
Related Stories
The Play’s The Thing: A Review of Hamlet at The Gift Theatre Monty Cole's unapologetically irreverent adaptation of Shakespeare's classic at The Gift Theatre focuses on grief instead of madness.- Shake a Spear: A Review of Something Rotten! at Marriott Theatre In its regional premiere, this 2015 Tony Award-winning musical comedy takes aim at the Bard himself.
- A New Day For An Old Favorite: A Review of Oklahoma! at Marriott Theatre Marriott Theatre whips fresh wind into Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic.
- A Night of Pride: A Review of Ragtime at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire Marriott Theatre's production of "Ragtime" is a stunning spectacle grounded in social realities.
- Make Your Reservation: A Review of Holiday Inn at Marriott Theatre Boards are seldom tread more finely than in this remount at Marriott Theatre.
- Carrying the Banner: A Review of Newsies: The Broadway Musical at Marriott Theatre The local premiere of this movie musical cult classic turned Tony Award winner will have you leaping from your seat.
