“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is coming to the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

The Albert Lea Community Theatre will present the play April 30, May 1-2 and 6-9 at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m. May 3.

The play is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart.

Inspired by the farces of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus, specifically Pseudolus, Miles Gloriosus and Mostellaria, it tells the bawdy story of a slave named Pseudolus, and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. The plot displays many classic elements of farce, including puns, the slamming of doors, cases of mistaken identity (frequently involving characters disguising themselves as one another), and satirical comments on social class.

The title derives from the line that vaudeville comedians often used to begin a story: “A funny thing happened on the way to the theater.”

The musical’s original 1962 Broadway run won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book.

“A Funny Thing” has enjoyed several Broadway and West End revivals and was made into a successful film.

Steve Kinney, Austin, is the play’s director at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

David Dahlquist, Lyle, and Al Bluemenshein, Emily Bartley and Gordy Handeland, all from Austin, have leading roles in a cast of 17 actors.

Call (507) 377-4371 for tickets.

The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center is located at 141 North Broadway, Albert Lea.