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'A Funny Thing' is the funniest show this year

It's a hit! "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" is the funniest show of 2018! Wacky and absurd, this rib-tickling show wraps up the 36th season for North Coast Repertory Theatre with a bang!

While the show is directed by David Ellenstein with subtlety, it is the dazzling choreography of Colleen Kollar Smith that gives it heart. Accompanied by musical director Ron Councell, opening night was a flawless performance.

Remarkably, Ellenstein filled the wee stage with talent (13 in all) along with four musicians tucked into an invisible pocket while Smith paid tribute to vaudeville through movement.

There is not one thing to add or change that would make this a better show. The cast is perfect in every role.

Starting at the top alphabetically: Andrew Ableson plays Senex, husband to Domina and father to Hero. Playing against type, Ableson portrays a dirty ol'lecher as though he has had some experience.

Melinda Gilb plays Domina with the right amount of shrew and bluster without being unlikable.

John Greenleaf is Erronius the neighbor. He provides a solid performance as the father who is still searching for his children that were stolen by pirates decades earlier.

Luke H. Jacobs has a dual role – Protean and as a eunuch. As in every show, Jacobs delivers.

Chris M. Kauffmann is Hero and son of Senex and Domina. While no stranger to theatre, this is his first show at the N.C. R.T. proving his worth as a love-struck pursuer of Philia.

Kevin Hafso Koppman plays Hysterium, the top slave in the Senex household. Without guile or pause, Koppman explores his character's behavior wholeheartedly and gives a fantastic performance worthy of an award.

Jason Maddy has a dual role, first as dominatrix Gymnasia and second as the new owner of Philia, Captain Miles Gloriosus. Maddy takes each character to the wall and comes away with two spectacular results.

Protean is played interchangeably by three characters including Missy Marion also as Vibrata the cat like alluring dancer.

Amy Perkins also portrays Protean as well as Panacea the Courtesan, and roman soldier, and slave and pirate deckhand. Her characters add to the confusion which result in spontaneous spurts of laughter.

Noelle Marion is the fetching and ditsy Philia. Charming and disarming, she gives her heart to Hero but, as a slave sold to Captain Gloriousus, her body belongs to him.

David McBean is the vile Marcus Lycus. Cowardly yet unapologetic, he is reviled for his slippery ways and all the better for it!

Omri Schein is Pseudolus the conniving slave to Hero. Seeking his freedom, he will let nothing stand in his way. Schein's performance is a master class in slapstick, pratfalls and audience manipulation. He should be a shoe-in for this year's Best Actor award.

Jean Schroeder plays Tintinabula, the limber harem dancer who is filled with spontaneous erotic movement coupled with promises of much, much more. Who knew any one person could wiggle that much?

Set designer Marty Burnett is to be praised for fitting three houses on the small stage securely enough to handle the dramatic entrances and exits. Matt Novotny lit the set, Aaron Rumley put in the sound and Elisa Benzoni designed the costumes while Peter Herman designed the hair and wigs. These four did their jobs so well their application becomes invisible. Which is why they are so very good at what they do.

The Step Family Foundation continues to support the efforts of North Coast Repertory Theatre. It is this kind of ongoing generosity that keeps all of San Diego county theatre alive and prospering. Anyone can contribute support by contacting the theatre.

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" will take you back in time to "two hundred years before the Christian era on a day in Spring".

Now playing in Solana Beach until Aug. 12 at the North Coast Repertory Theatre at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite D in the rear of the parking lot with ample free parking. Multiple performances weekly. Box Office: (858) 481-1055 or go to northcoastrep.org.

Rated 10 out of 10.

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