In ancient Rome, the slave Pseudolus wants nothing more than his freedom. When the mother and father of his young master depart to visit the mother's mother, Pseudolus finally sees a way to get it. His charge, Hero, has fallen madly in love with one of the girls who lives in the house next door. Pseudolus wrangles an agreement out of Hero: if he can manage to get the girl that Hero loves for him, then Hero will set Pseudolus free, even though "people don't just go around freeing slaves." Unfortunately, the house next door is The House of Marcus Lycus-a notorious house of ill repute. The girl of young Hero's dreams, Phyllia, is a virginal courtesan who has been sold to a mighty sea captain, Miles Glorious, who's as arrogant as he is handsome and strong. Pseudolus enlists the help of his fellow slave, Hysterium, who's befuddled and determined not to break any rules. Adding trouble to the mix, Hero's parents, Senex and Domina return home early, whereupon Senex mistakes Phyllia for a new, young and eager-to-please maid. What's a slave to do?

It's impossible to think of an actor better suited for a role than Michael Tobin is for Pseudolus in this Act One production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," a play originally brought to Broadway by Stephen Sondheim in 1962. Wearing three hats as male lead, director and choreographer, Tobin shines in each role. As the slave striving for his freedom, he's energetic, sparkling, charming and lovably goofy.A0His singing voice is reminiscent of the Broadway great Zero Mostel (who played the role for years), and he moves and dances with zest. This role makes us want to see and hear Tobin as much as possible, in as many roles as possible.

Donald LaBranche brings an adorably dense quality to Senex, who's just realizing he's not the young man he once was and lets us know this in spades as he hopelessly chases after Phyllia. His shrewish wife, played by Suzanne B. Manzi, is haughty and untouchable85until she senses her lackluster husband harbors some lust after all, and then without warning turns into Woman In Heat. Daryl Robertson brings a delicious Felix Unger quality to the role of Hysterium-he's uptight, he's terrified, he gives the impression of being completely constipated in every aspect of his life85no easy feat when you're singing and dancing!

The gimmick of casting a woman, Laurie Ferrell, in the role of Marcus Lycus works well because little is made of it. Other than referring to her as a madam instead of the male equivalent, she performs the part exactly as written. She's a tough, hardheaded businesswoman who takes advantage of every situation, and the beautiful Ferrell spits out her lines like nails. It's perfect.

Christopher Bradley and Heather Holland as Phyllia and Hero are blond and beautiful, and sing like angels. They complement each other's performances as perfectly as Abbott and Costello in their innocence and ditziness. The courtesans and proteans complete the chaotic and hysterical ensemble.

Michael Tobin took his cast, focused on the strengths of each actor, and ran with it. The result is a hysterical, highly pleasurable evening of fun, laughter and song.A0

Act One presents "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" through Aug. 28 at the Performing Arts Center, Winnacunnet High School, Hampton on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $21 general admission, $17 students and seniors. For reservations, call 603-926-2281.