The second revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is scheduled to open at Mexico City's Teatro Hidalgo, Apr. 30.

This production will feature a male Pseudolus, played by Alejandro Suarez, the popular Mexican comedian. Producer Ruben Lara first offered the role of a female Pseudolus to midget comedian Maria Elena Saldana, who was unable to join the cast due to previous TV engagements. The idea of casting a female lead in a part originated by Zero Mostel was born when the recent Broadway revival featured Whoopi Goldberg as Pseudolus.

Other members of the Funny cast are Amparito Arozamena (Moon Over Buffalo, Cabaret), Antonio (Sugar), Jorge Arvizu, Edgar Vivar, Kuno Becker and Luis Ernesto Cano.

Forum's previous Mexican productions played with the title of Amor al Reves Es Roma, which means "Love Spelled Backwards Is Rome" (this title works only in Spanish), but this time the hilarious "ancient Roman" musical will be back with a new Spanish title: En Roma el Amor es Broma!, which literally means "In Rome, Love is a Joke!"

Manuel Castillo directs this revival, which is choreographed by Guillermo Tellez, who recently choreographed the hit Mexican musical Houdini, La Magia del Amor. Designing Forum are Manuel Lara (sets), Mitzi (costumes) and Arturo Nava (lights). The show features a book by Burt Shevelove & Larry Gelbart and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Beginning Apr. 30, En Roma el Amor es Broma! will run at the Teatro Hidalgo on Fri. at 7PM & 9:30PM, Sat. at 6PM & 8:30PM and Sun. at 5:30PM & 8PM. For information and tickets ($100-$80 Mexican Pesos) call (52-5) 521-1040.

-- By Claudio Carrera
Mexico Correspondent