If you were looking for a break from studying, a night off from endless piles of homework, or just an amusing evening, then the Hillel Theatre Group's production of "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum" was just what you needed. This show brought to life the trials and tribulations of being a slave in ancient Greece, untouchable love, separated lovers because of contracts and a very egotistical soldier. As we are all assured in the beginning song, this is not a think-piece.As the show opens, our main character leads the cast in a lively rendition of "Comedy Tonight," explaining that sometimes you need tragedy but that night you would get comedy. Next, we meet our other main characters and receive a brief description about each. The entire cast sang to a packed house, dressed in togas and then some. There were purple velvet hats, boas, leopard skirts, sequins, tassels and so much more. There was even a point in the show that included drag. Laughter filled the entire room.

As the show began, the audience met the hero and the heroine, an only child of incredibly strict parents and a virgin courtesan, only to find out that their love can never be because she was sold to another person just days before. The main character, Pseudolus, played by Joshua Simmons '06, complains about being a slave while our other main character, Hero, played by Devin Carney '06, comments that "Better to be a slave than a slave to love." Yes, it's cheesy but cute at the same time.

As the play continued, other interesting and amusing characters including head slave of the house, Hysterium, played by Matt Gertz '06 are introduced. Poor Hysterium runs around trying to keep everything in order without killing himself and dropping from exhaustion, which finally happens at the end of Act One.

It should be noted that the actor who played Hysterium is actually recovering from a minor head injury that happened at the dress rehearsal before opening night and is doing fine. He played his part well, including dressing as a woman at the end to try to catch the soldiers' attention so that the two lovers can sneak away. What a courageous boy!

Of course, with any comedy, the night will end on a happy note with the soldier and the courtesan realizing that they are siblings (with an "eww" from the rest of the cast), our lovers getting to marry, Pseudolus obtaining his freedom and Histerium receiving a break. Despite the director's belief that we will get nothing from the show besides amusement and a good laugh, you learn that love always wins and that if it is meant to be, it will happen.

The cast, pit and crew together put on a terrific show with great music, singing, lighting, props, costumes and acting. Hillel Theatre Group certainly did a great job with the show, and it was a pleasure for all to watch.