Stephen Sondheim - A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (1962 Original Broadway Cast)
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Free Music Notes for A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (1962 Original Broadway Cast)
Free Music Review: "Tonight, I am pleased to announce a comedy."
Hit: 5 Stars
As a high school senior I played Domina in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM. I then owned the original Broadway cast recording on cassette, and recently I bought the CD version. Revisiting the score after seven years brought back many wonderful memories for me. I dare to say that FORUM is the funniest musical ever written as well as the least likely to "date," simply because its humor is based on conventions of comedy that date back to ancient Roman times, as well as on those of classic American vaudeville. In other words, the kind of jokes that are in FORUM have always been funny and always will be. But the brilliance of the libretto should not overshadow that of the score, the first for which Stephen Sondheim wrote both music and lyrics. From the lush and tuneful overture its freshness must have struck 1962 audiences. I agree that "Pretty Little Picture" is the most typically Sondheim-esque song in the show, though each number bears his characteristic stamps: unexpected rhymes and unusual melodies. "Comedy Tonight" sets the scene; "Love, I Hear" is a lyrical delight, "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid" a vaudevillian showstopper, and both "Bring Me My Bride" and "That Dirty Old Man" mock arias.
Zero Mostel, who stars as Pseudolous (the "tricky servant" who wants freedom) sings well, though it is his outsize personality and presence that really matter, of course. Brian Davies and Preshy Marker have lovely, fresh, youthful voices as the two lovers; Ron Holgate and Ruth Kobart have the high-quality voices to do justice to their semi-operatic numbers; and Jack Gilford, with his distinctively high-pitched, timid-sounding voice, is adorable as Hysterium, the nervous slave. The CD booklet includes a fine essay on the show by Mark Kirkeby and several photos, including a wonderful color one of Mostel, Gilford, John Carradine, and David Burns in "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid." This FORUM is a classic recording, because it has a great cast and preserves Sondheim's first Broadway score.
Free Music Review: A first yet already one of his bests!
Hit: 5 Stars
Being the first musical wherein Stephen Sondheim did both music and lyrics, it was not expected to be a hit. Many of the critics of the musical in its 1962 run were proven wrong when this smashing musical has endeared itself, musically or otherwise, with the theater-going public. Even to this day, the revival run continues to fascinate audiences, who are not too easy to believe that this is (still not was, eh George) Sondheim's full first.The recording itself is quite a masterpiece. It really captures every bit of the emotions exhibited on stage. Listening to it, even if you don't know the storyline behind the show, will give you the imagination-aid to see and hear the musical in your mind. Compared to the original London cast (Frankie Howerd et al) and 1996 Broadway revival cast (Nathan Lane et al), this recording is the best. Buy this CD. Also, if you are into jazz, try the Varese Sarabande release of The Trotter Trio's instrumental version.
Free Music Review: First and Still the Best Recording
Hit: 5 Stars
I have very little doubt that this original cast album will always be the best recording of this show. Who else but Zero Mostel could make this role/show so memorable? This show also has the distinction of being the first with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. While his craft would grow considerably in the years following this effort, the work here is solid and enjoyable. "Comedy Tonight" is a classic and "Pretty Little Picture" gives us our first glance into Sondheim's future. While the comedy of the script may overshadow the comedy of the songs, they are funny in their own right. "Lovely" and "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid" are both very funny. Still, the historical relevance of this work is more of a reason to buy it than the score itself. If you're Sondheim fan, this CD is a must.Free Music Review: The best Cd
Hit: 5 Stars
I was in " A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" with Holy Name Booth Theatre this passed summer !! It was the best show i have eva done ! I liked it so much i bought the cd and could not stop listening to it i especaiclly like " Lovley reprise , impossilbe and everyone ought to have a maid!! I choreographed Impossible with a few of my friends all that i am sayin is Forum is the best just listen to me Also My bro was Miles Gloriosus !! He did a great job also i liked " Bring Me my Bride " , and the Funeral Sequence !! also Pretty little picture , that dirty old man , and free , also that'll show him and all of Hero, senex , pseudlus , hysterium , eroniusus parts were really funny and philias and lycus'sFree Music Review: Terrific Songs!
Hit: 5 Stars
I recently saw a great production of "Funny Thing Happened," in Roanoke not so long ago with my girlfriend. We had both listened to the CD prior to seeing it and loved the songs from it and the play was a riot! It was just so funny I couldn't stop laughing. I especially liked Hero, and want the part so badly. No wonder this musical is such a big High School and Summer Stock fave. Everybody ought to have a copy of this CD.