Forum: A good end to a good year

MANILA, Philippines - It has been quite a year for Theater Down South. After finding a new home in Academy One Music and Dance Center in BF Homes Parañaque, the three-year-old company spearheaded by Theater stalwart Michael Williams ventured onto new and exciting territory by producing its first-ever original full length children’s musical, The Princess and the Red Carp (August 2010). Now, they are well into the run of their current season’s big musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which boasts a book by Burt Shevelove (No, No, Nanette) and Larry Gelbart (M*A*S*H), as well as music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods).

Putting a show like Forum together can be difficult for a few reasons: First, the show is a musical, which demands a lot from its performers, and second, it’s a comedy, which is proven to be a lot harder to do than drama. Throw in the fact that the show has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, who is known for writing especially complicated music, and it can make the entire task of producing a show of this caliber almost daunting.

But not for TDS. This company of young actors has been trained faithfully by Williams, who co-directed Repertory Philippines’ 2009 production of Sweeney Todd, and most recently directed the Philippine Opera Company’s production of Master Class. Before rehearsals even began, the actors were promised they would go through their most difficult training yet, and throughout the entire process, they have proven themselves to be able, hard-working and resilient. In fact, the company, whose members almost entirely reside in the South Metro, are thrilled to be taking such a big step by doing such a big show. While the 17-strong cast may be composed of professionals from varying fields of expertise, it is through and through also composed of professional actors who have dedicated themselves to contributing to their community by way of their craft. Putting a show like Forum together has indeed been challenging, but now, nearing the end of the show’s limited run, it appears as if all their hard work is paying off, what with crowds coming out of the theater at the end of each performance wiping away tears of laughter, and the company coming out with a more-than-ever loyal following.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum plays its final two performances today at 3 p.m. and on Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. at the Insular Life Theater in Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets and at http://www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For details, call Ticketworld (891-9999) or Theater Down South (505-6380)/(0916) 6436976, or log on to http://www.theaterdownsouth.com.