[Apples2for10]

1) MTI has Lycus listed as a baritone; I'd say that he's a bass-baritone at best. My question is since he only has a few lines in both EOTHA Maid and Finale, is vocal range a must in playing him?
2) I know that a lot of you feel that Forum is Sondheim's easiest score. However, I heard from someone outside MDN that it's his easiest ONLY in terms of score, and that, like every show, it's not without its challenges. I'm just wondering what is challenging about it?

[Mr T]

Personally I think Lycus is more spoken than sung so the range is not so important. His big number House of Lycus is nearly all spoken apart from the odd line. As with much in Forum its the delivery that counts.
Having just completed Sweeney Todd I have to say the score to Forum is easier but that does not mean it's easy. You still need players who are musical to get around the score. Pseudolus is very demanding vocally because of Sondheims lyrics and the way the songs are arranged. Domina in my opinion has a very differcult song in act 2 - "Dirty Old Man Of Mine" and both Hero and Philia have plenty to think about in thier numbers. While I would agree Forum is not a "Sweeney" it still has it's pitfalls. Although I will add now it is a great fun show to perform.