Vernon Reza

The show features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart (Gelbart went on to co-create the TV series "M*A*S*H"). A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was a 1962 Broadway hit that ran for 964 performances, winning several Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Book, and Best Director. This was the first musical for which Sondheim delivered both music and lyrics. He did not receive a Tony nomination, which was seen as a slight at the time.

For A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Myra Cochnar, Landmark Musicals' Artistic Director, has elevated Louis Giannini to be her co-producer—a wise choice to give Giannini more responsibility. His talent has been a bright light seen through his roles as associate director and choreographer. His work in Albuquerque, from his years in The Nutcracker through his work with Landmark, is always impressive.

Veteran director Hal Simmons delivers a solid production, with the help of Darby Fegan as music director and Giannini covering choreography chores. Not sure who handled the comedic dashing and darting that brings the story to a climax—a defining feature of the show. It could have been the director or the choreographer—at any rate, nice job. The set by production designer Dahl Delu works well, particularly the buildings where the upstairs and downstairs are nice props for slapstick.

The day I saw the show, the performer playing Hero had a medical problem. Midway through the first act, he was replaced by Warren Asa Wilgus who had one of the Protean roles. While Wilgus had to carry a script notebook to get through the performance, he did a commendable acting job and a stellar job singing. The break in the performance while the cast worked out a solution to the abrupt departure of a main character was handled well, but the cast didn't quite get its mojo back. I would guess the slight stiffness that resulted has not been apparent in other performances.

The key role in A Funny Thing Happened is Pseudolus. On Broadway the role has usually gone to a known comedic actor. It's a meaty role and it carries the show. Originally, it was a hallmark role for Zero Mostel. His exuberant performance also drove the 1966 movie directed by Richard Lester. Later on Broadway, the role was taken by Phil Silvers, Nathan Lane, and Whoopi Goldberg, among others.

Here, the role is performed by Vernon Reza, who has a long history of major roles in classic musicals in Albuquerque. And while Reza carries the role well, other standouts included Zane Barker as Hysterium and Art Tedesco as Marcus Lycus. Both of these highly experienced actors do a great job with the physical comedy involved. (Barker will direct Landmark's upcoming he Music Man and A Chorus Line.) While all of the performers do well with their singing, one standout is Meghan Bode as Philia, with a lovely and powerful voice.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum by Landmark Musicals will run through March 22, 2015. Performances are on Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. There will also be a special matinee performance on Saturday, March 14 at 2:00 pm. Performances are held in Rodey Theatre at the UNM Fine Arts Complex. Tickets are $20, $22, and $24, with a $2 discount for students and seniors. For tickets and other information, visit landmarkmusicals.org or call 505-925-5858 or 877-664-8661.

Photo: Max Woltman

--Rob Spiegel