A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum 1962 - Articles Page 8

Opened: May 8, 1962

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - 1962 - Broadway History , Info & More

Majestic Theatre (Broadway)
245 West 44th St. New York, NY

Based on the plays Miles Gloriosus, Pseudolus, and Mostellaria by Plautus (251-183 B.C.)

This hysterical musical features a beloved score by Stephen Sondheim and an uproarious book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. The musical's original Broadway production won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book. Forum has also enjoyed several Broadway and West End revivals.



A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum tells the bawdy story of Pseudolus, a slave in ancient Rome, who goes to great lengths to gain his freedom by securing a courtesan for his young master, Hero. Scheming slaves, mistaken identities and courtesans each with their own gimmick deliver on the promise of the famous opening number, that there will be comedy tonight.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - 1962 - Broadway Cast

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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - 1962 - Broadway Articles Page 8

CABARET LIFE NYC: Anatomy of a Duo Show--Classy, Entertaining, Yet Flawed KT Sullivan/Jeff Harnar Sondheim Set at the Beechman Is All About Choices
by Stephen Hanks - Jul 25, 2014


The current Stephen Sondheim tribute show, Our Time, starring KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar at the Laurie Beechman (which I attended on July 9 and 16; there are two more Wednesday performances at 6pm on August 6, 13), is a charming, classy, and entertaining affair. But it also includes enough flaws in execution that prevent it from being truly great. For one thing, it doesn't really feel like a duo show. It's more like two solo performances within one show, where the performers fit in a couple of numbers together to justify the concept. A critique of the Sullivan/Harnar Sondheim set provides an interesting opportunity to analyze the anatomy of a duo show and the choices that can make it work—or not.

BWW Reviews: A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM Promises Comedy Tonight and Delivers it Full Force
by Shari Barrett - Jul 25, 2014


When I heard The Aerospace Players were going to present A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, I almost decided not to see it as I have seen it twice before and never really understood why the show was just not as funny as it ought to be. Now I know why - those other shows did not have Darrell Clark playing Pseudolus and he made all the difference! Clark's abundant physicality added so much more to the crazy humor of the show that even the silliest jokes seemed new and fresh, generating lots of laughs and when appropriate, sufficient groans.

San Francisco Playhouse Presents INTO THE WOODS, Now thru 9/6
by BWW News Desk - Jun 24, 2014


San Francisco Playhouse (Artistic Director Bill English & Producing Director Susi Damilano) concludes its provocative eleventh season with Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book). The production runs today, June 24th to September 6th, 2014, with an official opening set for June 28.

San Francisco Playhouse to Present INTO THE WOODS, 6/24-9/6
by Tyler Peterson - May 28, 2014


San Francisco Playhouse (Artistic Director Bill English & Producing Director Susi Damilano) concludes its provocative eleventh season with Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book). The production runs June 24th to September 6th, 2014, with an official opening set for June 28.

James Corden in Talks to Lead Broadway Revival of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM
by Tyler Peterson - May 22, 2014


Corden would take play Pseudolus, following in the footsteps of Nathan Lane, Zero Mostel, and Phil Silvers, who all took home Tony awards for their performances.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day 5/8- A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM
by Nicole Rosky - May 8, 2014


Today in 1962, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opened at the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre), where it ran for 964 performances. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. Inspired by the farces of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus, specifically Pseudolus, Miles Gloriosus and Mostellaria, the musical tells the bawdy story of a slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. The musical's original 1963 Broadway run won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book. A Funny Thing has enjoyed several Broadway and West End revivals and was made into a successful film starring the original lead of the musical, Zero Mostel.

Laguna Playhouse Presents Leslie Caron & David Engel in SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS, Now thru 6/8
by BWW News Desk - Apr 26, 2014


The Laguna Playhouse Executive and Artistic Directors, Karen Wood and Ann E. Wareham are thrilled to present screen legend Leslie Caron, in her first Southern California theatrical performance in over 25 years! SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS, written by Richard Alfieri, with choreography by Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line) and directed by Michael Arabian (Waiting for Godot). SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS will also feature 6-time Ovation Award-winning actor David Engel. 'What an honor to have on our stage the incomparable Leslie Caron and the multi-talented David Engel,' remarks Wood. 'It's a dream cast and a dream come true. With Michael Arabian and Donna McKechnie directing and choreographing, this has to be one of the most anticipated productions in the Playhouse's storied history,' adds Wareham. SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS will begin previews tonight, April 26 and will open on Saturday, May 3 at 7:30pm and run through Sunday, June 8, 2014 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.

Rialto Chatter: A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM Coming Back to Broadway?
by Rialto Chatter - Apr 25, 2014


Cabaret just returned to Broadway last night, but according to a recent Deadline report, more revivals are on the way. Jeremy Gerard writes that a A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum revival is in the works, as well as the long-rumored My Fair Lady.

Laguna Playhouse to Present Leslie Caron & David Engel in SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS, 4/26-6/8
by Diana Heisroth - Apr 7, 2014


The Laguna Playhouse Executive and Artistic Directors, Karen Wood and Ann E. Wareham are thrilled to present screen legend Leslie Caron, in her first Southern California theatrical performance in over 25 years! SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS, written by Richard Alfieri, with choreography by Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line) and directed by Michael Arabian (Waiting for Godot). SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS will also feature 6-time Ovation Award-winning actor David Engel. "What an honor to have on our stage the incomparable Leslie Caron and the multi-talented David Engel," remarks Wood. "It's a dream cast and a dream come true. With Michael Arabian and Donna McKechnie directing and choreographing, this has to be one of the most anticipated productions in the Playhouse's storied history,' adds Wareham. SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS will begin previews on Saturday, April 26 and will open on Saturday, May 3 at 7:30pm and run through Sunday, June 8, 2014 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.

BWW Contests: Win Tickets to Tarragon's MARRY ME A LITTLE
by Alan Henry - Mar 11, 2014


I am very pleased to announce a brand new BroadwayWorld Toronto contest! I'll be giving away two tickets to a performance of Tarragon Theatre's Marry Me a Little for the evening performance on March 25, 2014. To enter the contest, please send an email to torontocontest@broadwayworld.com with your favorite Stephen Sondheim show and song. Entries missing the show and song will be discarded.

BWW Reviews: THE PRINCE AND THE SHOWTUNE: A TRIBUTE TO HAROLD PRINCE Fills the Night with Great Music
by Shari Barrett - Mar 4, 2014


On the first Sunday of each month at Kritzerland at Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal, dinner cabaret nights are presented to packed houses. Due to the Oscars, this month's event was held on Monday, March 3, saluting THE PRINCE AND THE SHOWTUNE: A TRIBUTE TO HAROLD PRINCE whose career has spanned over sixty years and who, as producer and/or director is responsible for some of the greatest musical theater triumphs of all time.

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts Presents Film Noir Style CITY OF ANGELS Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Feb 7, 2014


The rarest of musical comedies, City of Angels is written in contemporary jazz idiom and filled with sidesplitting comedy. Set in the glamorous, seductive Hollywood of the 40's, the world of film studios and flimsy negligees, the show chronicles the misadventures of Stine, a young novelist, attempting a screenplay for movie producer/director, Buddy Fidler. City of Angels opens tonight, February 7 and runs through February 22, 2014.

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts Postpones CITY OF ANGELS Opening to 2/13 Due to Illness
by BWW News Desk - Feb 4, 2014


Due to illness among cast and crew members, WICA's Theatre Series Production of CITY OF ANGELS has been postoned to next week, now set to open on Thursday, February 13th.

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts to Stage CITY OF ANGELS, 2/7-22
by Diana Heisroth - Jan 29, 2014


City of Angels weaves together two plots, one is black and white and the other in color. Watch out! It's an action-packed, witty, and spectacular musical that pays homage to the film noir genre of the 1940's detective movies. City of Angels opens February 7 and runs through February 22, 2014.

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts to Present Film Noir Style CITY OF ANGELS, 02/07
by Hilary Kelly - Jan 10, 2014


The rarest of musical comedies, City of Angels is written in contemporary jazz idiom and filled with sidesplitting comedy. Set in the glamorous, seductive Hollywood of the 40's, the world of film studios and flimsy negligees, the show chronicles the misadventures of Stine, a young novelist, attempting a screenplay for movie producer/director, Buddy Fidler. City of Angels opens February 7 and runs through February 22, 2014.

Harriet Harris, Judy Kaye, David Garrison, Rachel York & More Join Christian Borle in Encores! LITTLE ME; Runs 2/5-9
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 7, 2014


Robert Creighton, David Garrison, Harriet Harris, Judy Kaye, Lewis J. Stadlen, Lee Wilkof, Tony Yazbeck and Rachel York will join Christian Borle in Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh¹s Little Me, the opening production of New York City Center¹s 2014 Encores! season, running for seven performances, February 5 - 9. The show will be directed by John Rando with music direction by Rob Berman and choreography by Joshua Bergasse.

ROAD SHOW Comes to Theatre Rhinoceros, Now thru 2/19
by BWW News Desk - Jan 2, 2014


Theatre Rhinoceros presents the Bay Area Premiere of the Stephen Sondheim Musical ROAD SHOW, featuring Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and Book by John Weidman, and running today, January 2 - 19, 2014.

ROAD SHOW Comes to Theatre Rhinoceros, 1/2-19
by BWW News Desk - Dec 16, 2013


Theatre Rhinoceros presents the Bay Area Premiere of the Stephen Sondheim Musical ROAD SHOW, featuring Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and Book by John Weidman, and running January 2 - 19, 2014

BWW Reviews: A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM - A Roman Holiday Treat at the Shakespeare Theatre Company
by Charles Shubow - Dec 10, 2013


It is comedy, it is baudy and it is brilliantly directed by Alan Paul.

Photo Coverage: Stephen Sondheim Honored at Museum of the City of New York Gala
by Stephen Sorokoff - Nov 20, 2013


The Museum of the City of New York just presented legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with its Louis Auchincloss Prize at a gala dinner that included a musical tribute featuring Tony Award winners and nominees. Cabaret! will took place last night, November 19th; it was a rare opportunity to recognize a living legend, and in an intimate setting. Singing Sondheim favorites were some of musical theater's most talented performers, including Gregg Edelman, Harvey Evans, Judy Kaye, Howard McGillin, Victoria Mallory, and Sarah Stiles under the direction of Michael Montel and music director Larry Yurman. BroadwayWorld was there for the special event and you can check out photo coverage below!

City Museum Honors Stephen Sondheim at 2013 CABARET! Gala Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Nov 19, 2013


The Museum of the City of New York will present legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with its Louis Auchincloss Prize at a gala dinner that will include a musical tribute featuring Tony Award winners and nominees. Cabaret! will take place this evening, November 19th; it is a rare opportunity to recognize a living legend, and in an intimate setting.

City Museum to Honor Stephen Sondheim at 2013 CABARET! Gala, 11/19
by BWW News Desk - Oct 29, 2013


The Museum of the City of New York will present legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with its Louis Auchincloss Prize at a gala dinner that will include a musical tribute featuring Tony Award winners and nominees. Cabaret! will take place on Tuesday evening, November 19th.

Stephen Sondheim & Wynton Marsalis Collaboration, A BED AND A CHAIR: A NEW YORK LOVE AFFAIR to Play City Center in November
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 15, 2013


Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis will collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR: A New York Love Affair, a new musical event featuring Sondheim's music arranged and performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. This Encores! Special Event, directed by frequent Sondheim collaborator John Doyle, with choreography by Parker Esse and musical supervision by David Loud, was conceived by Peter Gethers, Jack Viertel and John Doyle, and will run for seven performances, November 13 - 17 at City Center.

Stephen Sondheim to Receive 54th Edward MacDowell Medal Today
by BWW News Desk - Aug 11, 2013


The MacDowell Colony will award composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with its 54th Edward MacDowell Medal today, August 11. The MacDowell Colony, the nation's first artist residency program, has awarded the medal annually since 1960 to an individual artist who has made an outstanding contribution to his or her field. This year marks the first time a luminary has been chosen from the realm of musical theatre and Sondheim's generous offering of his talents to the stage made him a clear choice.

Photo Flash: Peter Scolari, Conrad John Schuck and More in Bay Street's A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM
by Christina Mancuso - Aug 6, 2013


Bay Street Theatre presents the final production of the 2013 Mainstage Season with A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, beginning August 6 and running through September 1. The show stars Peter Scolari with Conrad John Schuck and Jackie Hoffman. The book is by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart with lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim; music direction by Ethyl Will; and directed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below!

Other Productions of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

1962   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1963   West End London Production
West End
1963   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
1971   Regional (US) Regional Revival
Regional (US)
1972   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1986   West End London Revival
West End
1987   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
1991   Off-Broadway Off-Broadway Production
Off-Broadway
1996   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2004   West End Royal National Theatre Production
West End
2017   St. Louis, MO (Regional) The Muny Revival
St. Louis, MO (Regional)

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - 1962 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1972 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Burt Shevelove
1972 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Phil Silvers
1972 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Larry Blyden
1963 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical George Abbott
1963 Tony Awards Best Musical Burt Shevelove
1963 Tony Awards Best Musical Larry Gelbart
1963 Tony Awards Best Musical Stephen Sondheim
1963 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Zero Mostel
1963 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical David Burns
1963 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Jack Gilford
1963 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Ruth Kobart
1963 Tony Awards Producer (Musical) Harold Prince

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