How well do you know the zany world of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum? Test your knowledge of this classic musical filled with farcical comedy, mistaken identities, and Stephen Sondheim's unforgettable score. From its award-winning performances to its origins in ancient Roman farces, this musical has been a favorite among audiences for decades. Discover more fun facts and behind-the-scenes trivia!
International Productions
- In October 2012, Geoffrey Rush starred as Pseudolus in the Melbourne, Australia production of the play at Her Majesty's Theatre, with Magda Szubanski and Shane Bourne in supporting roles.
- The Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, Canada staged a production of 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' from June 11 to November 7, 2009, directed by Des McAnuff with choreography by Wayne Cilento.
Musical Composition
- Songs such as 'Echo Song' and 'Pretty Little Picture' have experienced various states of inclusion and exclusion in different productions of the play.
- Stephen Sondheim wrote both the music and lyrics for 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,' marking it as one of his notable fully-composed shows.
- The opening number 'Love Is in the Air' for 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' was replaced with 'Comedy Tonight' and featured in the film 'The Birdcage'.
- The famous opening number 'Comedy Tonight' was added after out-of-town tryouts in an effort to highlight the show’s comedic tone, a suggestion made by Jerome Robbins.
- The musical is inspired by the farces of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus, especially drawing from 'Curculio,' 'Pseudolus,' 'Miles Gloriosus,' and 'Mostellaria.'
Production Facts
- The musical's setting and much of its comic action take place in ancient Rome, involving neighboring houses and a series of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements.
- 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' originally opened on Broadway in 1962 and ran for 964 performances and 8 previews before closing in 1964.
- Proteans are versatile choristers in the play, managing multiple roles and helping to establish the comedic tone in 'Comedy Tonight'.
- "Panacea", from Greek, meaning "Cure All", cleverly names a character who serves as a courtesan.
- "Geminae" translates to "Twins", representing twin courtesans in ancient Roman comedy.
- "Gymnasia", meaning "Athletic" with a connotation of nakedness, is a courtesan who captures Pseudolus's affection.
- "Erronius" translates to "wandering" and is depicted as Senex's elderly neighbor who has spent the last 20 years searching for his kidnapped children.
- "Miles Gloriosus" translates to "boastful soldier" and represents the archetype of the braggart soldier in Roman comedies.
- Phil Silvers was initially approached for the lead role but turned it down multiple times, only to later accept it in both a revival and the film adaptation.
- The name Pseudolus means 'Faker' in Latin, reflecting the character's adeptness at deception in the musical.
- An all-male cast featured in the November 2015 production of the play at the Two River Theater in Red Bank, New Jersey, which included notable actors such as Michael Urie and Christopher Fitzgerald.
- Zero Mostel, who originated the role of Pseudolus on Broadway, won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance.
- The title of the musical comes from a line commonly used by vaudeville comedians to start a story: 'A funny thing happened on the way to the theater.'
- Every actor who has originated the role of Pseudolus on Broadway (Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, and Nathan Lane) won the Best Leading Actor Tony Award for his performance.
- The costume design for the original Broadway production was created by Tony Walton, and today, the wardrobe is displayed at the Costume World Broadway Collection in Florida.
- The original Broadway production of the musical won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Actor (Musical).
