Stephen Sondheim's bawdy, ancient Roman farce
Stephen Sondheim's bawdy, ancient Roman farce
Why see A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum?
Six Time Tony-Winning Show
Taking its inspiration from the farces of ancient Rome, Something Funny is a laugh-a-minute concoction of bawdy puns, slapstick and cases of mistaken identity. The story follows the efforts of wily slave Pseudolos to gain his freedom, by helping his master in winning the heart of the beautiful courtesan Philia. Sandwiched in between Gypsy and Anyone Can Whistle in the Sondheim oeuvre, the musical's slick book was written by Burt Shevelove (No, No, Nanette) and Larry Gelbart (Tootsie, MASH).
The first Broadway musical for which Sondheim wrote both the music and lyrics, it proved a monster hit when it first opened in 1962, picking up six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book. It was subsequently adapted for the silver screen, with Phil Silvers and Zero Mostel.
Key Information
Dates
Creative
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Larry Gelbart & Burt Shevelove