Sondheim musical in Hamilton set to make audience laugh

Tim Pollock (left) as Pseudolus and Shaun White as Hysterium get up to all sorts of hijinks in the new play Forum. Photo / Supplied

Broadway slapstick comedy musical Forum with music by Stephen Sondheim is coming to Hamilton on May 15.

The play, originally named A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, will be running at Riverlea Theatre for two weeks and takes the audience through ancient Rome following the story of Pseudolus, a crafty slave.

He would do anything to win his freedom, so his master Hero gives Pseudolus the task to win the hand of a beautiful, but slow-witted, courtesan named Philia for him. Desperate lovers, scheming neighbours and plot twists are part of the witty performance.

Forum marks a couple of milestones for Hamilton Musical Theatre. Firstly, it is the successful remount of the production originally planned to be staged last year - which was cancelled due to Covid.

Most of the cast from last year's planned production have remained for this year's performance and they are very much looking forward to finally getting on stage.

Secondly it is the first production staged under the name of Hamilton Musical Theatre since the official name change from Musikmakers (Hamilton).

Musikmakers have been performing musical theatre since 1976. Outgoing president David Taylor explained that the change of name had been under consideration for some time, primarily to be clear about "what we do".

Forum is described as a nonstop laugh-fest.

Director Toni Garson says: "The great thing about this show is the range of actors needed" as the characters range from late teens in age to 'mature'. This has allowed the production to cast experienced actors alongside up and coming young talent.

Forum has its opening night at Riverlea Theatre on May 15 at 8pm. Tickets can be booked at: https://www.iticket.co.nz/