Review: BroadHollow's A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM

It is incredibly thrilling to see Tony winning musical A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum on the schedule for the BroadHollow Theatre Company. We have an amazing collection of comedic actors here on Long Island, so this has all the makings for a special treat. Indeed, the outstanding cast superbly delivers.

Inspired by the style of writing by ancient Roman playwright Plautus, many of his trademark features are implemented in the production including witticisms, shtick, mistaken identity, characters disguising themselves as one another, and tongue-in-cheek comments on social class.

Running through February 25th at East Islip's BayWay Theatre, the zany production, set in ancient Roman times, is excellently directed by Jason Allyn who also leads the outstanding ensemble company. The sidesplitting tale centers on Mr. Allyn's role of slave Pseudolus who is frantically - and hysterically - looking for his freedom. The crux storyline follows Pseudolus trying to help his young master, Hero, strongly portrayed by Aaron Mor, win the love of Philia, splendidly portrayed by Kelsey Gronda, one of the courtesans living next door. The timing and physical comedy done by everyone is superb and the audience is filled with roars of laughter especially as several twists and turns take place.

The entire cast is truly top notch. This production will continue to BroadHollow's Elmont location beginning March 17th, so the cast we see at BawWay might be slightly different Elmont (still brilliant, nonetheless).

The creative team is also fantastic. Certainly a highlight are the beautiful costumes designed by Joseph Kassner who always has such a great eye for the look of BroadHollow productions. Bob Butterley's set is superb as well. Broken Roman columns align the sides of the stage and the front view of three houses take up the rest of the stage. This is actually another classic Plautus feature where everything is taking place in one area; in this case the front of each of the houses. This is enhanced handsomely by Hemraj Budhram lighting design making for a truly visually stunning production.

And so, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum is undoubtedly another hit for The BroadHollow Theatre Company. In a time where we need to laugh, BroadHollow brings us a silly, fun show. Bravo!

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A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum is presented by the BroadHollow Theatre Company at the BayWay Arts Center in East Islip through February 25th continuing to their Elmont location beginning March 17th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 581-2700 or visit www.broadhollow.org.

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Burt Shevelove & Larry Gelbart, Directed by Jason Allyn, Assistant Director is Lindsay DeFranco, Technical & Set Design by Robert Butterley, Stage Management by Annie Longobardo & Guiliana Werner, Lighting Design by Hemraj Budhram, Costume Design by Joseph Kassner, Musical Direction by Kailey Dowd, Choreography by Rochelle Martin-Vecchio

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