Winner of numerous accolades awarded for his talent for entertaining campuses, comedian Buzz Sutherland approaches comedy uniquely, interacting and playing with audiences instead of merely talking at them; he somet encourages audience members to become part of the show. Having performed at over 1,100 college and university campuses, Sutherland received the National Association of Campus Activities "Campus Entertainer of the Year" honor in 2002. He incorporates home-spun characters and amusing facial expressions into his much-reputed comedy routine. He has also performed on MTV's "Half Hour Comedy Hour" and HBO's "Comic Relief." He is the creator of the popular and much-traded Internet comedy "Duck Job," which led him to be one of the biggest names in his field. (Thurs., 9 p.m., Campus Center, Smith College.)

The music department will present "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," the first show for which the legendary Stephen Sondheim did both the music and the lyrics. The musical is set in ancient Rome and is the story of Pseudolus, a slave, who finds himself in increasingly comic situations. Based on the book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, the musical traces Pseudolus's quest for freedom. In order to attain this freedom, Pseudolus decides to aid his youthful master, Hero, in pursuing romance with the young courtesan Philia. Meanwhile, Pseudolus must outsmart Hero's disapproving parents, while Erronious, a local old man, constantly pursues an ongoing search for his children. This musical comedy promises humorous entertainment for all. (Thurs., Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m., Buckley Theatre.)

Amherst College's very own Zumbyes will be performing in the first weekend of the Northampton Arts Council's 20th Anniversary Silver Chord Bowl, a series of five Sundays of art-related events. This year, the Silver Chord Bowl will feature the return of Smith College President Carol T. Christ and Northampton Mayor Mary Clare Higgins as the emcees. This first weekend will be a non-competitive showcase of the best collegiate a cappella groups in the country, including the Dartmouth Aires, Tufts Shir Appeal, Tufts Essence, Brown's Higher Keys and the Smith College Smithereens in addition to the Zumbyes. This show is one of Northampton's most popular arts events and has sold out for the past 15 years in a row. (Sun., 2 p.m., John M. Greene Hall, Smith College. Tickets $10 in advance, $2 at door, at 587-1269.)

Ben Stiller follows formula (as outlined by Mike Hogan '05 in this week's review of "Along Came Polly") predictably but entertainingly in "Zoolander." He fills the title role of Derek Zoolander, a "really, really ridiculously good-looking" but vapid male model. The plot of the movie involves an evil scheme by the fashion industry to off the Prime Minister of Malaysia (Woodrow Asai) because he wants to strengthen child labor laws. Designer Mugatu (Will Ferrell) brainwashes Derek to become the unwitting assassin. The impressive cast also includes Owen Wilson playing fellow male model Hansel and David Duchovny as a former hand model and boasts cameos by everyone from Li'l Kim to Billy Zane. "Zoolander" is 90 minutes of non-stop over-the-top hilarity, and the infamous "Blue Steel" look is sure to go down in Ben Stiller history.