A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM

Director: Toni Garson Musical Director: Coryn Knapper Choreographer: Lily Empson Producer: Hamilton Musical Theatre Dates: 15 – 29 May 2021

You would have to be living under a Corinthian column to have missed Hamilton Musical Theatre’s (formerly Musicmakers) A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum solid marketing campaign. Social media has been filled with posts alongside other internet advertising, posters abound across the city, there have been radio interviews on the airwaves, and buses circulating Hamilton with consistent, on brand and eye-catching imagery.

Opening night was already off to a good start with a full house in attendance and a cast that was ready to deliver this farcical, mistaken identity comedic musical.

Tim Pollock played Pseudolus, a slave vying for freedom and also the narrator. Pollock had an immense load of dialogue to learn along with songs and choreography, and he took it in his stride. Pollock was akin to a puppet master and had total command of the stage and all that went on around him. He was witty, he was engaging and he was a consummate professional.

Daniel Cruickshank was aptly named Hero, and indeed he was a hero. In the last few years, his star has risen as he has worked hard on over 20 shows to hone his stage craft. Cruickshank has a well-trained voice and brought a charming naivety to the role which was perfect.

Sasha Kirkwood is fairly new to the stage, but without reading her programme bio there would have been no way of knowing that from her performance. As Philia, the wide-eyed and slow-witted love interest of Hero, Kirkwood was compelling to watch and has a voice that needs to be heard again and again.

Paris Eyeington was another younger cast member who also excelled. He had no qualms in hamming up his expressions and playing Miles Gloriousus to all his glorious ability.

The role of Marcus Lycus was made for Mike Scanlon. Scanlon was superb as the Roman brothel owner and once again gave it 110%. Scanlon always delivers, and he specialises in kooky roles where he is given free reign to really play.

Shaun White as Hysterium gave a brilliant performance and comedic roles sit extremely well with his skills.

The rest of the cast were adaptable and flexible and added lots of visual and vocal dimension to the overall spectacle.

To the crew, my congratulations too. An extraordinary amount of work had been put into painting the set and the paving stone floor was particularly striking under the lighting. The costumes were well-designed and considered and they too worked well under various lighting settings. The hair and makeup was understated and perfectly in keeping with a play set in Roman times.

Toni Garson’s direction showed an incredible talent for keeping multiple balls in the air, particularly as the musical notched up in intensity in Act 2. The frantic comedy left the audience gasping for breath. Garson was ably supported by theatre stalwart Coryn Knapper and relatively new choreographer Lily Empson.

The musical prologue could have done with some trimming. Alternatively, something to tease the show or moving lights would have made it more visually interesting. A few lines were missed but it the great scheme of things, it did not matter as other cast members carried those slight indiscretions with total professionalism.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum was a high energy romp through Roman times that left the audience thoroughly entertained.

Tickets start at $39 and are available from www.iticket.co.nz

One final note: No one does Reviewer Packs like Hamilton Musical Theatre. They go above and beyond, and it is always a pleasure to be greeted by the team at the theatre with an envelope full of goodies. Thank you.