By Eva Trieger
SOLANA BEACH, California — I can just imagine North Coast Rep’s Artistic Director, David Ellenstein, dancing a jig and high fivin’ his reflection in the mirror after landing one of the most synergistic casts to ever perform on this cozy stage. Sporting 13 actors and four musicians, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum cannot help but to become the number one, hands down favorite play of this summer!
Each member of this cast comes to the stage with a wealth of stage experience, both local and international. Many have worked together in previous venues and some have even worked together in this very intimate setting. And two of the cast are even related! The majority of the cast and some of the crew are members of the Actor’s Equity Association. So many gifted individuals all crammed into this perfect space for a fabulous two and one half hour interlude!
The North Coast Rep’s Vice President, Jay Sarno, pointed out that, as stated in Board member Berit Durler’s introductory notes, this play was inspired by the ancient Roman playwright Plautus. In these clever lines and via physical comedy, the audience is treated to every imaginable comic twist, turn, farcical scenario, and absurdly lyrical silliness as humanly possible. Plautus was certainly way ahead of his time, and had he known that this particular cast was going to bring his characters to life, he’d likely have hung around until 2018 for the show, but I guess he had a chariot to catch.
The always hilarious interfacing among Andrew Ableson, Omri Schein, Melinda Gilb, David McBean and Jason Maddy, was enhanced and made all the more entrancing with Noelle and Missy Marion, Amy Perkins, Chris Kauffmann, Kevin Hafso Koppman, Luke Jacobs, Jean Schroeder and John Greenleaf. The rapid fire repartee, and the head-flipping plot twists are adorable and appear spontaneous and unplanned, as the servants, masters, maidens, eunuchs, schemers, and dreamers all pursue their respective ends.
You think you recognize the names of these actors? Of course you do! Each of them has appeared all over San Diego in our finest comedic and dramatic venues. From the MOXIE to the Cygnet, the Old Globe to Lambs’ Playhouse, these thespians have been welcomed and well-loved by thousands. But wait…there’s more! This collective of incomparable characters is backed by a four-piece musical ensemble. Ron Councell, James Beauton, Sean Laperruque and Jim George perform every number on keyboard, percussion, violin, viola and woodwinds, providing theatergoers with memorable melodies to hum on their way out of the theater.
The set, as North Coast Rep patrons have come to expect, is divinely inspired. Marty Burnett and Matt Novotny have created the creatively functional and exciting Roman street with clever windows and doors that open and close to reveal characters at opportune moments. Costumes designed by Elisa Benzoni work brilliantly, and allow for appropriately funny choreography directed by Colleen Kollar Smith.
Yes, I believe North Coast Rep is wrapping up this season with one of the best plays it has ever showcased. It’s going to be a tough act to follow, but having achieved such a coup with this cast and selection of musicals, once again, Ellenstein has shown San Diego that great theater is great theater. If it was good enough for third century audiences, it’s good enough for us. With thanks to Burt Shevelove, Stephen Sondheim, and Larry Gelbart, we can all enjoy Comedy Tonight. Well, okay, you can come tomorrow night, but just be sure and get your tickets before August 12th! www.northcoastrep.org or 858.481.1055
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Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com