Randuwa II: Signature Theatre: A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum

I don't know where to start. From the very beginning I was so filled with joy that my eyes literally leaked! This classic of Broadway and early peak into the genius of Stephen Sondheim has been a regular on the High School circuit for 5 decades--we've all probably seen a bad production full of sincere adolescents. So give one of the most talented groups of professional actors in the country a turn at it? Stand back and rejoice!

In its original iteration, it was the second most famous role by the legendary actor, Zero Mostel. How can you compete with that? And folks have tried. Most recently Nathan Lane in the 1996 revival...and 28 years later... So what does Signature do? Tosses the stereotype out! And with a talent the size of Erin Weaver, why the hell wouldn't you? When I see Erin's name in the cast I know there's going to be at least one amazing performance. As Pseudolus, the clever slave who longs for freedom, she explodes with energy, fresh in every moment and clearly in control. She gives a tour de force performance while creating such an intimate rapport with the audience. And EVERY ONE else was pitch perfect--vocally and comedically. Mike Millan as the slave Hysterium was an amazing sidekick and comic foil. Cameron Loyal as the Roman Commander Miles Gloriosus brought such authenticity of both sex appeal and comic vulnerability. At one point he was so damned funny that even Erin had to look away to maintain her composer. Thus was the lack of wall at times between the cast and audience, but rather than feeling unprofessional, quite to the opposite, it felt like being invited to one crazy celebration.

I could continue to write volumes about every member of the cast, but instead, I'll caption some thoughts with the photos. It's vintage Sondheim to create a show where the ensemble is all important--foreshadowing for his later, great works.

Of the supporting elements the costumes were gorgeous. And the set was stunning. Both in its form, but also in its revelation. Signature's Max Theater is a large room where every production gets its own orientation from a traditional presidium design to theatre in the round. When entering the space for this show, you have the sense that it's going to be a rather simple, straightforward presidium with modest elements. Then the prologue ends and suddenly the simple curtain opens to reveal three two-story tall buildings with classic Roman details and the rug is pulled out from under your proverbial feet! It's like a pilot light to wonder has been ignited and from that point forward the stage is set in form for this non-stop amazing production.

What you see upon entering...

What's lurking behind...

If you live in the DMV, you have weeks to see this as it will run through and past the Holiday season into early January. If I could afford it. I would see it again in a heartbeat and take ALL of you with me.

Erin Weaver delivering the prologue and introducing herself as Pseudolus

Full Cast: "Something For Everyone! A Comedy Tonight!"

Tracy Lynn Olivera (Domina) and Zachary Keller (Hero)

"Free" with Pseudolus and Hero. Zachary is a fresh face to me and great sense for musical comedy. The role of the hapless lover, Hero, was written for him. His chemistry with Erin was also full on engaging.