Based on the classic plays of ancient Roman playwright Plautus, the musical features a score by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart. Performances continue through Jan. 5, 2014, at Sidney Harman Hall.

Directed by STC associate director Alan Paul, the cast includes Bruce Dow (Jesus Christ Superstar, Jayne Eyre) as Pseudolus, Danny Rutigliano (Billy Elliot, Born Yesterday) as Marcus Lycus, Tom Story (The Winter’s Tale, The Government Inspector) as Hysterium and Steve Vinovich (Loose Ends, Lost in Yonkers) as Senex with Lora Lee Gayer as Philia, Julie Johnson as Domina, Nick Verina as Hero, Edward Watts as Miles Gloriosus, Harry A. Winter as Erronius, Chelsey Arce, Matthew Bauman, Ashley Blair Fitzgerald, Nick Flatto, Jenn Frankel, Lisa Karlin, Ashley Marinelli, Sarah Meahl and Blakely Slaybaugh.

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum tells the bawdy story of Pseudolus, a slave in ancient Rome, who goes to great lengths to gain his freedom by securing a courtesan for his young master, Hero," press notes state. "Scheming slaves, mistaken identities and courtesans each with their own gimmick deliver on the promise of the famous opening number, that there will be comedy tonight."

"This musical is about entertainment. It is important at this time in our city to make people laugh, give them an opportunity to forget their stresses and just enjoy themselves," director Paul said in a previous statement.

Tickets and more information are available by calling (202) 547-1122 or visiting ShakespeareTheatre.org.