“A Funny Thing Happened…”: Pappas Brings a Sondheim Comedy Classic to the Pittsburgh Public Theater

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opens on January 25th at Pittsburgh Public Theater.

Set in ancient Rome, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a musical comedy about Pseudolus, a slave and his attempts for freedom. This time Pseudolus helps his young master woo the virgin neighbor, Philia. During the musical comedy, there are some mistaken identities, loads of puns and rollicking tongue-in-cheek musical numbers to keep up the comedy.

Pittsburgh Public Theater’s production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is directed by Ted Pappas with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. He first directed the musical 20 years ago as a guest director. It will also be the last musical Pappas will direct for Pittsburgh Public Theater.

“Everyone is looking for a good laugh these days,” Pappas says, “and no musical provides more belly laughs, line for line, than Forum.”

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum stars Jimmy Kieffer as Pseudolus. His master Hero is played by Jamen Nanthakumar. Virgin neighbor Philia is played by Mary Elizabeth Drake. Both houses are filled with characters to make this twisted comedy come to life.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum runs from January 25th through February 25th with shows at various times. Ticket prices: $30 – $75. Tickets for students & age 26 & younger: $15.75. Discounts for groups of 10+ are available by contacting Casey Helm at 412.316.8200 ext. 704 or chelm@ppt.org. To purchase tickets go to ppt.org, at the O’Reilly Box Office or at 412.316.1600.