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Music Box Theater in Swoyersville actors Jessica Ross and Dane Bower rehearse a scene from the stage production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum” on March 2. Pete G. Wilcox|Times Leader

Director Lori Colacito, center, gives instruction prior to rehearsing a scene with actors Lauren Fredmund, left, and Jonathan Vojtko in the stage production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum” at the Music Box Theater in Swoyersville. Pete G. Wilcox|Times Leader

Actors at the Music Box Theater in Swoyersville perform a kick line during rehearsal on March 2 of the stage production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum.” Pete G. Wilcox|Times Leader

SWOYERSVILLE – Brothels, slaves and pirates, along with slapstick kicks, mistaken identity and satire are ingredients for a great comedy — “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.”

The play, directed by Lori Colacito and Megan Horwatt, takes stage at the Music Box Theater on March 13 through March 22. The Music Box Players are putting on the laugh-fest where Psedudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win his freedom by convincing the beautiful, courtesan Philia, to wed his master, Hero. The plot hinges on three Roman houses. One is home to Psedudolus’ owners and their handsome, but empty headed son. The second house is a brothel and the third has long been abondoned after its owner went to search for his children who were kidnapped by pirates.

“The show is just perfect the way it was written,” Colacito said. “There are not a lot of ways someone can change it. It really is the perfect comedy.”

Colacito added entertaining choreography and has allowed her actors to make the characters their own, something which differentiates the play from other versions.

Colacito cast Jon Vojtko as Hero, the handsome son, and Maureen Hozempa as Philia. She said these two roles are the more serious ones of the play and usually played on the sweet side without the comedic aspect. The director saw the actors bring their own comedy to the roles and can’t wait for the audience to see their versions of the characters.

Brandon Frashefski plays the vain warrior, Miles Gloriosus, who marches triumphantly into Rome, declaring “I am a parade!”

“It is so fun to play someone else,” Frashefski. “I get cast as the bad guy and I like that. It gives me a niche. I just have such passion for the theater and have a secret goal to make it to stardom. I want that limelight.”

The play promises side-splitting laughs and vaudeville-like comedy.

“Everyone on the cast is just naturally funny,” Colacito. “It was very easy to get the message across.”