ORONO – University of Maine students will revive the popular Broadway musical “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” for seven performances beginning Friday, Feb. 15, in Hauck Auditorium.

The play is a community favorite for its broad comedy, burlesque humor, music and vaudeville-inspired numbers.

The play tells the story of the clever slave Pseudolus (Brad Fillion) who works for his freedom by securing the love of the beautiful courtesan Philia (Angela Thompson) for his young master, Hero (Matthew B. Small).

The plot is complicated because Philia’s hand has been promised to an arrogant Roman soldier, Miles Gloriosus (Dennis Boyd). Pseudolus is caught in his own schemes, leading to a series of hilarious events.

“It will be a bright and colorful production” said associate professor Tom Mikotowicz, who is directing the show.

“It’s a very musical cast, and the actors perform with lots of energy,”

There is a cast of 25, as well as a live orchestra of 20 musicians.

Mikotowicz has incorporated the environmental style in the production, so there will be action not just on the stage but throughout the auditorium.

“It’s fast-paced, with one comic bit after another,” Mikotowicz said. “It has a reputation for being a very funny show,” .

The musical was written by Stephen Sondheim. The content of the play is based on the works of the second century Roman playwright Plautus, well known for his stock comic characters, such as the clever slave or the braggart soldier.

“From a historical perspective, we’re interested in the play because it is a study of comic character types and plot situations. But beyond that, it’s just a lot of fun,” Mikotowicz said.

The show’s backstage team includes: Jennifer Benson, assistant director; Lindsey J. Harriman, stage manager; Andrea Hepworth, assistant stage manager; David Adkins, set designer; Dan Daugherty and Laura Mae Fer, lighting designers; Jane Snider, costume designer; Edna Dodge, assistant wig designer; Greg Klein, sound designer; Erin Couturier, props mistress; Melanie McGlinchey, assistant to the costume designer; Ludlow Hallman, musical director; and Ann Ross, choreographer.

As a director, Mikotowicz has staged more than 150 productions in professional, educational and community theaters throughout the country, including Brecht’s “Threepenny Opera,” Euripedes’ “The Women of Troy,” Gogol’s “Marriage,” Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus,” Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and last season’s “Marriage of Bette and Boo.”

He teaches directing, playwriting, history and theory at UMaine.

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15-16 and Feb. 21-23 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 17 and 24 in Hauck Auditorium.

Tickets are $8 and may be purchased at the door or by calling 581-1755.