A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the Burt Shrevelove & Larry Gelbart musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is one of those musicals that is difficult to pull off unless you have a larger then life personality playing the role of narrator/lead Pseudolus. The storyline is convoluted, silly, nonsensical, and so over the top that one might wonder why this is considered a great musical. The key lies in the chemistry that must be created between the larger-than-life Pseudolus and the audience. While we may have some famous and big "personalities" in the Dallas/Fort Worth area such as the newscaster Scott Sams or Dale Hansen, or supermodel Jan Strimple, there are few that are also great stage performers.

When I found out that Theatre Coppell was going to mount this musical I knew the only person in town that could possibly do the role any justice is John Garcia, who is known not just as a Dallas theater advocate with his famous Column Awards, but for his extensive theatrical credentials. Mr. Garcia is following in the footsteps of theatrical greats such as Zero Mostel, Nathan Lane and Whoopi Goldberg who have done this role to great accolades. I am very glad to report that he isn't just able to fit in their shoes, he takes off running with them.

Having a lead of such strength and caliber can sometimes cause problems because everyone else will pale in comparison. I am also happy to report that most of the cast is able to keep up with Mr. Garcia's pace and energy making this one of the best locally produced shows I have seen in recent memory. Director Wheelice Wilson, Jr. has assembled a stellar cast under his brilliant direction. Hysterium, Pseudolus's side kick played by Greg English had the audience in hysterics. Marcus Lycus played by Greg Wilkins used his height and gangly body to great comic effect -- he was mesmerizing. Tom E. Moore's Senex was a show-stopping delight. Francine Simpson as Domina nailed her role perfectly. Even Steven Smith in the smaller role as one of the Protenas, who doubles as a Eunuch caused guffaws of laughter. The only weakness in the show was Nick Mann as Hero, and it was mainly due to his volume. He frequently spoke and sang so softly that it was difficult to hear him at times, making it truly impossible to judge his performance. I thought it was just me till I heard the same comment during intermission. One thing I can say for Mr. Mann -- he sure looked the part.

Accolades must be given to the bevy of artists that constructed and painted the set. The entire theater was painted, sculpted, and decorated as if it was a Roman plaza surrounded by various Roman homes and buildings. All the painting details and the various murals were delicious to the eye. The theater was a visual feast. Janis Arthur who did the props had a field day for they were witty, surprising, and numerous. The props themselves became an additional character. I only wish the costuming, choreography and lighting had reached the level of the set and the props. They were OK, but not great. The musical direction was quite good, and they got a lot of sound considering there were only three musicians playing the entire score.

The bottom line is this: Go see this show now, pronto, immediately, as soon as you can! You will be very glad you did.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum has been extended to run through August 5. Tickets for the show can be purchased online or by calling 972-745-7719.