Gamble Auditorium buzzed with energy, laughter, and the occasional near-miss. Students sprinted, twirled, and danced across the stage. Music swelled, and one line after another was delivered with hilarious timing. At Baldwin Wallace, the making of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is as much about collaboration, focus, and rehearsal as it is about the laughter audiences will hear when the show opens.
Directed by BW faculty member Matthew Koenig, “Forum” is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. Inspired by ancient Roman farce, the show follows a fast-moving series of schemes, misunderstandings, and larger-than-life characters. It is loud, energetic, and unapologetically absurd—a story that opens with a simple warning to the audience: “Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!”
This production was rehearsed over just two weeks and presented as a staged reading. That format shone a spotlight on ensemble connection, musical precision, and comedic timing. The pace was quick, the energy was high, and the goal was clear: create laughter through music, movement, and performance.
The comedy can seem effortless onstage, but the rehearsal process tells a different story. Every joke, song, and physical beat was shaped through repetition and refinement. Musical numbers had to balance pitch and rhythm with timing and humor. Choreography and movement required intention. Actors and live musicians alike had to react to one another in real time, ensuring the energy never dipped. It was clear that a great deal of thought and discipline went into what audiences might see as pure fun.
Director Matt Koenig provided guidance that kept the cast confident and organized throughout the whirlwind rehearsal period. His support helped students navigate the complexities of a fast-paced, passion-driven production while still allowing room for experimentation.
Rae Coplen, a freshman BFA student and swing/understudy cast member, remarked, “Matt has been super helpful in making sure that I know where I’m going and answering all my questions. He’samazing!”
Freshman ensemble and understudy cast member Tori Mathies described the process as “a bit more lax and stressful at the same time” because of the condensed rehearsal period, but also liberating since the staged reading format reduced pressure. “Honestly, we’ve just been goofing and gagging,” she said. “Like it’s just been a fun experience. Especially as a first show being a freshman, I’m very glad it was this one.” That balance between focus and play is exactly what brings a show like “Forum” to life.
The open dress rehearsal on Jan. 28 offered a glimpse of the results of this intensive preparation. Timing, both musical and physical, was precise yet playful. The ensemble’s connection was evident in every shared glance, well-timed pause, and perfectly executed comedic beat.
Music remained a central component throughout the rehearsal process. Sondheim’s score is witty and intricate, and performers needed to convey both musical accuracy and comedic nuance. Songs were not just breaks from the story, but vehicles for humor and character, requiring careful attention to timing and expression.
Rehearsals also highlighted the collaborative nature of student theatre. Each cast member supported the others, reacting, adjusting, and contributing to the show’s larger rhythm. Notes from the director were applied quickly, creating an environment where experimentation and improvement were constant and consistent.
For audiences, “Forum” promises a lively, energetic, and accessible theatrical experience. The humor is broad, the music is vibrant, and the storytelling prioritizes enjoyment without sacrificing craft. Behind the laughter, though, is a clear process: preparation, rehearsal, and collaboration, all aimed at producing the kind of comedy that feels effortless when the curtain rises.
As the cast transitions from rehearsal into performance, the work behind the scenes will take backstage, leaving only the joy, awe, and energy of the show. With “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” BW Theatre invites audiences to lean back, laugh, and witness a production shaped by talented individuals, creativity, and the sheer fun of making theatre.
