Rainbow Network
26 July 2004
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM
by Stephen Beeny
***

There have been two major forces in recent musical theatre history: Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The former has obtained cult status and musical credibility but has never had what can be classed as a sure-fire hit. The latter is the master of the commercial blockbuster and has the world constantly humming his hot tunes, but has never been critically adored.

I mention this because A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is Sondheim's most obviously commercial piece. It's a direct attempt at a crowd pleaser.

[...]

The fun production has a great ensemble cast with Philip Quast’s gloriously sung Miles Gloriosus a particular treat complete with large, powerful thighs to match his thunderous voice.

 

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