Don't miss this 'Forum,' a rollicking, ribald toga party for the ages

Miles Gloriosus, played by Alec Paulson, stands behind his soldier guards as Pseudolus, played by Scott Severance, left, looks on.during last night's showing at the ROH. (Rochester Voice photo),

If they were making a television commercial about "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" now playing at the Rochester Opera House, and they used the stereotypical shot of someone coming out of the theater to comment on the just-viewed production, the first line from one gushing fan might be, "Who knew eunuchs could be so funny!"

Well, they are, and so aren't about 250 or so other jokes, sight gags, slapstick, puns, high jinks, farce and tomfoolery that all tumble forth in this rollicking, ribald - but still Rated G - two and a half hours of mayhem and madness.

Holding this 1960s era musical comedy classic together is producer Scott Severance who will do anything - ANYTHING - to get a laugh.

Severance has obviously inspired his troupe to do the same and the result is inspired comedy.

Even if you only get half the jokes and sight gags, and laugh at just half of those, you've got your money's worth.

The plot, set in early Roman times, tells the tale of a slave - Pseudolus, played by Severance - trying to win his freedom by playing matchmaker for his owner's son who has fallen in love with one of the courtesans owned by Marcus Lycus, played by Odell Cureton.

Unfortunately, the object of his love has already been sold to a Roman warrior Miles Gloriosus, played by Alec Paulson, a hunk of a centurion with a heck of a baritone.

Now throw in an old man looking for love in all the wrong places; his wife, a relentless, overbearing ball-crunching woman; pirates and of course, all those comely courtesans, and well, you get the picture.

The action and jokes are fast in the first act and furious after intermission when it seems more like "Laugh-In" or "Looneytunes" then a Broadway play.

Keep an eye out for Nute High English teacher and drama coach Doug Decker who is downright hilarious as Erronius, a father searching for his son and daughter since they were stolen by pirates as children.

And keep an eye out for when this hilarious production plays over the next two weeks beginning tonight at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets and info go to http://rochesteroperahouse.com.