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Skillfully directed ‘Forum’ shines at Salem Community Theatre
By Eric McCrea
Salem
Who’s got time for tragedy? Enjoy a comedy instead. You can find one at the Salem Community Theatre with their first musical of the 2014-15 season, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
Known for hit songs such as “Comedy Tonight” and “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid,” “Forum” is a classic slapstick of misunderstandings. Eric Kibler plays Pseudolus, a Roman slave who desperately wants to be free, but in order to achieve that, he must play matchmaker for the lovestruck Hero (Curtis Meyers). After extorting assistance from Hysterium, played by Michael Dempsey, Pseudolus schemes his way to freedom, and the story quickly becomes complicated and, in some ways, hilariously convoluted.
Kibler never misses a beat, as the driving force behind this crazy plot. He has great timing, and he gets some great laughs from lines that would be “groaners” in the hands of a lesser man.
Dempsey is genius in his role. Being Psuedolus’ hesitant pawn and wingman, he blends qualities of Curly of the Three Stooges with the Cowardly Lion. His duet with Kibler, “Lovely/Reprise” is one of the best numbers in the show.
Playing the Roman Captain, Miles Gloriosus, Matthew Schomer is amazing. He fearlessly attacks his role, and delivers a powerful version of “Bring Me My Bride.” To say Schomer is energetic is like saying the sun is kind of warm.
Brittany Smile plays the love interest, Philia. She is sweet and ditzy, like a stereotypical blonde. While her songs tend to slow down the story, her voice is angelic, making them exquisite.
Donny Wolford is the definition of swagger in his role as Marcus Lycus. He adds a modern twist to the oldest profession without losing any of the traditional charm.
A special round of applause goes out to Katherine Fawcett in the role of Domina, who beautifully channeled one of my favorite actresses, Madeline Kahn.
Also noteworthy is Richard Fawcett as Erronius, who earned some of the longest laughs.
The second act becomes very fast-paced as it barrels to the finish line, and it got a little sloppy at a few points, but the cast had no trouble recovering quickly.
Individually, most of the cast is just average vocally, but since “Forum” is the kind of show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, that’s perfectly acceptable. Collectively, the cast is amazing in the “Finale Ultimo.” No one in this show wore a microphone, and they weren’t needed. No one had any trouble projecting, and they all could be heard, even over the orchestra. Kudos.
Although there was one toga, most of the costumes were nontraditional, and they worked great.
Overall, director/musical director Adam Day Howard has a created a great, lighthearted theater experience. His skillful directing squeezed every last drop of comedy from the script.
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” will be performed today, next Sunday and Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. For reservations, call the Salem Community Theatre at 330-332-9688.