Hero (right) chastises Pseudolus (kneeling) for cheating Roman citizens
 

This was an odd week: reviewing a new production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" on Thursday night, then reviewing "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to The Forum"
on Friday night. Someone (I think it was Lynne Counsel, director of "A
Funny Thing…") suggested that it would be a case of "from the sublime
to the ridiculous".

As it turned out, it wasn't. Yes, one was performed in the
state-of-the-art Geoffrey McComas Theatre at Scotch College, while the
other was located in the homely confines of the Warrandyte Mechanics
Institute Hall. One had a six-figure budget, while the other was very
much a budget production, using borrowed scenery, props and costumes.

So I found myself howling with laughter throughout the madcap, bawdy
tom-foolery of the Burt Shevelove/Larry Gelbart/Stephen Sondheim
musical farce, feeding off the shrieks and belly laughs of the rest of
the small, but utterly enthralled, opening-night audience.

This is Diamond Valley Singers'
second production for 2009. Apparently it was intended to be a concert
version, but the offer of sets, props and costumes from the recent Broadford Amateur Theatrical Society production prompted the colourful upgrade. And colourful it surely is, in every sense.

Director Lynne Counsel has a keen sense of comic timing, having
performed and directed theatre restaurant productions for many years as
well as musical comedy and panto. It shows clearly in the artistic
direction of this production -- the subtle (and not-so-subtle) nuances
are milked for all they're worth, the pace and pauses, the irony,
innocence and double entendres are superbly blended by a talented and
exuberant cast.

Mischief-maker-in-chief, the slave Pseudolus, sets the manic tone
and pace from the outset. Tom Louws imbues the role with cheeky humour
and outrageous self-interest, juggling more and more looming disasters
as the plot steadily disintegrates into hilarious mayhem. This is a
pivotal role, handled confidently with charm and wit, and a fine voice.
I felt exhausted just watching, in much the same way as I watch my
youngest grandchildren, mystified as to where they get their seemingly
boundless energy.

It would be easy for Pseudolus to dominate and outshine the rest of
the cast, but not in this production! Apart from tight direction, the
cast is particularly strong, capable and well-balanced. And there's
such a feeling that they're all having a ball that it's quite
irresistible.

Pseudolus (Tom Louws) and Gymnasia (Eleesha Higbed)
 

Gary Short as Senex, an elderly Roman with a sudden, second lease of life,
is cheerfully doddery, demented and determined to have one last fling
while his domineering wife, Domina, is out of town. Eleesha Higbed
alternates with Sandra Louws in this role. They also share the role of
the courtesan Gymnasia -- a Madam Lash lookalike in black leather, mesh
tights, chains and whips. One suspects that they both enjoy the guilty
pleasures of these very different roles. On opening night Higbed played
Domina and Louws played Gymnasia. Each was positively terrifying to
contemplate!

The romantic leads, Hero and Philia, played with disarming naivete,
innocence and wit by Lindsay Pritchard and Esther Counsel (last seen as
Julie Jordan in DVS's triumphant July season of "Carousel") are
captivating and impressive, with excellent voices and comedic
sensitivity. Hero is the son of Senex and Domina, in charge of the
family home during their supposed absence. Smitten by Philia, a
virginal courtesan who is also "a religious Cretan" (her beliefs forbid
her from drinking wine spiked by Pseudolus, thwarting a key plot
strategy), he offers his slave, Pseudolus, his freedom if he can free
Philia from a contract of sale to Miles Gloriosus, a legendary captain
in the Legions of Rome.

Both of these young performers more than hold their own in a production full of very strong, capable performances.

Another pivotal role is Hysterium, slave to Senex and Domina, played
in extravagantly hysterical style by Daniel Broadstock. His reluctant
impersonation of Filia is an absurd highlight of the show. He creates a
perfect "straight" foil for Pseudolus.

Three other principals who bring strong comedic performances to the
show are Noel Rawson as the ancient Erronius, who steals scene after
scene with a single line, Adrian de Leonardis as Marcus Lycus, the
slave trader, who creates a blatantly venal character who can be sleazy
at one moment and obsequious the next, yet still manages to make the
character funny and likeable, and John Leahy as Miles Gloriosus, the
vain, pompous Legion captain adds an overbearing obstinacy at the worst
possible time, creating unbearable tension for the conspirators.

All of this intrigue, mayhem and mirth is wonderfully supported by
two distinct groups: the Proteans and the Courtesans of the House of
Lycus. These are the relatively small male and female choruses who
provide atmosphere, colour and action -- and excellent ensemble
singing. Courtesans include Meg Molan-Cox, Juliet Elizabeth, Anne
Sharkey, Sandra Louws, Eleesha Higbed, Jeanetter Flint and Angela
Hennel. The Proteans -- who double as citizens of Rome, soldiers and a
variety of other incidental roles -- at times could pass for either the
Three Stooges or the Three Amigos!

Musical Director, Graham Ford, has crafted a strong musical presence
for the show, especially in the chorus work. Gerard Banner on piano
adds terrific verve and enjoyment to this thoroughly-enjoyable
production.

If you're looking for a really funny, enjoyable, carefree night or
afternoon of first-class entertainment, head for Warrandyte before this
magical confection vanishes. It's a must-see!

Cuchulainn's Rating: (4/5)

Cuchulainn
Without fear or favour

Where:
Warrandyte Mechanics Institute
Cnr Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road and Mitchell Avenue
Warrandyte
(Melway 23 F11)

When:
8 p.m. Friday 16th and Friday 23rd
2 p.m. Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th and Saturday 24th

Bookings:
Tickets are available from Angela (9439 7843) or email ($25 adults, $15 concession, $10 children, $15 group).

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