A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum | Théâtre du Lido, Paris, 2023–2024
Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy received its Paris premiere at Théâtre du Lido (December 2023 – February 2024), marking the reopening of the legendary Champs-Élysées venue. Directed by Cal McCrystal with designs by takis, this production was performed in English with French subtitles, bringing the Roman farce to continental European audiences for the first time.
The cast featured Richard Kind as the wily slave Pseudolus, Rufus Hound as Hysterium, Patrick Ryecart as Senex, and John Owen-Jones as Miles Gloriosus. takis’ design created the bustling Roman street where slaves scheme, lovers pine, and comic chaos erupts through Sondheim’s witty score and the show’s vaudeville-inspired staging.
McCrystal’s physical comedy expertise—honed on One Man, Two Guvnors and Spiegelworld productions—brought fresh energy to this 1962 musical. The 2h40 production demonstrated how American musical theatre’s golden age comedy translates across cultures.
Creative Team: Director: Cal McCrystal | Designer: takis | Music/Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim | Book: Burt Shevelove & Larry Gelbart