A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, with its hilariously complex plot line, playfully suggestive humor, and bold characters, is sure to please a broad audience. Declaring in the first five minutes of the show, “tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!”, Pseudolus (Renald Lefebvre) sets the stage for the entire show, written by Stephen Sondheim and popularized by the 1966 movie (of the same name).

The story begins and is set around and about three very unique houses: the first is the house of Marcus Lycus (Ray Goulet), a brothel containing courtesans from around the world; the second is the house of Senex (Brian McKeown), his wife Domina (Marissa Lussier), and his naïve son, Hero (Chris Hodgkin); the final house is the house of Erronius (Nate Chaloux). When the story begins, Pseudolus immediately takes the stage, displaying his desperate desire to be free (as he is a slave to Hero, Senex, and Domina). In the following scenes, he is given a chance to earn this freedom when Hero falls in love with Philia (Suzannah Wong), a virgin in the house of Marcus Lycus. Hero loves Philia so much that he is willing to promise Pseudolus his freedom if he can get Philia for him. However, Philia has already been bought by the egotistical Captain Miles Gloriosus (Mr.David Holinger). Pseudolus uses trickery to pass by this particular problem, but it soon backfires when Miles comes to fetch Philia. The entire plot unravels in a series of events marked by hilarious disguises, a thrilling chase scene, and unexpected realizations. Near the close of the show, when all seems lost, one final epiphany reminds us that the show is indeed a comedy tonight!

The show also involves several other actors, both veterans and newcomers. The courtesans in the house of Marcus Lycus include Panacea (Christina Zahn), Tintanabula (Michele Fortier), Gymnasia (Rebecca Spilecki), Vibrata (Suzie Assam), and the Geminae (Brittany and Amanda Martin). Hysterium, the more restrained slave of Senex and Domina, is played by Ryan Dubois. And finally, three very versatile characters, the Proteans, are played by Derrick Lacasse, Logan Lessard, and Matt Reed.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum will be presented on April 3, 4, and 5 at Lewiston Middle School at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and tickets will be sold at the door, $5 for students and seniors, and $8 for adults. All are welcome!