Some may think that the brilliant book of Burt Shevlove and Larry Gelbart, along with Stephen Sondheim’s charming music and witty lyrics, guarantee any director a success when staging A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

The show, though, requires a complex blend of outrageous and subtle comedy that can lose all appeal if handled improperly.

Therefore, when Pete Wilson ’98 applied to direct the piece as part of Harvard-Radcliffe Summer Theatre 2001, he set quite a challenge for himself.

I’m pleased to report, however, that despite some awkwardly staged duets and a few mixed comedic opportunities, Wilson managed to conquer a tough bit of musical theater.

In his best moments, Wilson led his actors in gleefully breaking down the fourth wall and succeeding with difficult physical comedy, which many Harvard actors find alien; Wilson’s staging of the show’s legendary opener, “Comedy Tonight,” as well as the romp, “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid,” were particularly impressive.

Although Wilson’s contribution was substantial, it must be said that a director is only as good as the talent with whom he works. And Wilson worked with cast one of the most talented groups of people I have yet seen on a Harvard stage.

The supporting characters were, on the whole, sharply cast and incredibly well played. Kevin Angle ’03 and Sarah Kerman ’02 beautifully rendered the young lovers, Hero and Philia, effectively selling the usually overdone “Lovely.”

Andy Pasquesi ’04 contributed a perfect portrayal of the outrageously arrogant Miles Gloriosus.