Playhouse on Park's latest production, Metamorphoses does indeed have something for everyone, something everyone already loves, such as music, humor, beauty, fine physiques and a pool. Our production of Metamorphoses is a contemporary adaptation of the Greek and Roman transformation, adapted by author and playwright Mary Zimmerman from the works of the Roman poet, Ovid.
On our 32 by 32 foot stage we have constructed a pool, four feet high and 16 by 16 feet wide, surrounded on all sides by a redwood deck. It is here that a young, attractive, talented and very physical cast of five men and five women move gracefully in and out of the water, telling these ten transformational myths that will mesmerize you and make you laugh. Each transformation is also related in many different ways to the redemptive power of love.
The pool is a part of the stage because the water constantly changes from peaceful and calm to ferocious and violent, just like the play. The pool represents, among other things, the river Styx, a river of hate that separates the world of the living from the world of the dead. It is said that the river Styx winds around the underworld nine times.
Divine lighting adds more emotion in to these already compelling stories. For the perfect blend of lighting and humor, with a contemporary theme is the appearance of the sun god Apollo played by David Goldman. Apollo emerges with brilliant sun-like lighting, wearing a gold vest and applying suntan lotion to his face as his son Phaeton played by Harrison Greene, who is seeking guidance from his therapist played by Amelia Campbell, about some typical father/son angst. i.e. wanting to borrow the car, or in this case, his father's chariot.
The greed of King Midas, played by Troy Peckham was granted the "golden touch" everything he touched turned to gold. This reward has an unintended consequence after his daughter jumps in to his arms.
Quinn Warren's movement as the approaching and consuming "hunger" of King Erysichthon played by Eric Whitten is beautifully haunting. She clings to him as he thrashes around the pool, attempting to satisfy his insatiable appetite.
Metamorphoses is an enthralling mix of drama and comedy, that along with the pool, the lighting, the costumes and sometimes lack of costumes are all accentuated with live music provided by musician and composer Richard Hollman. Mr. Hollman recently appeared in our production of the Mystery of Irma Vep, alongside Sean Harris, who directed Metamorphoses.
Richard, Rich or Richie, depending on his task, opens the show, humorously taking care of theatrical housekeeping, then adding his own "touch" which you can experience with a donation to Playhouse on Park.
Ashley C. Williams, Melissa Kaufman, Jillian Rorrer, and Justin Sease round out the incredible cast.
In closing, I would like to say that if you are a fan of provocative and daring professional theater staged by a cast and crew with a fervent devotion to their craft, then you owe it to yourself to see Metamorphoses. There is just one week left to see this amazing piece of theater.
Tickets are available at our box office. Reserve your seat by calling us at 860-523-5900 x10. Ordering online at www.playhouseonpark.org or visiting us during business hours: Tuesday thru Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm. We have the most affordable ticket in town to the most intimate venue in town.
Discounts are available for students, seniors and Let's Go Arts members. Students can purchase "Student Rush" tickets fifteen minutes prior to curtain for $10.00, cash only with a valid student I.D.. Everyone else can get a $10.00 ticket thanks to our "Lunch Time Special". All you have to do is visit our box office between 12:00 to 1:00pm the day of a performance and get a ticket to that night's show for only $10.00. What a deal!
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