Oh, Ovid

Lansing Community College concocts a pleasing, witty evening of mythological magic in 'Metamorphoses'

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Friday, July 22 — From the ancient origins of contemporary words to modern slants onmythical stories, Lansing Community College's production of Mary Zimmerman's“Metamorphoses” brings vibrant physicality to classic Greek myths, with challengingand entertaining results.

Similar to last year's Summer Under the Stars show “Arabian Nights” —which was also a Zimmerman adaptation directed by Deborah Keller —“Metamorphoses” focuses more on retaining the heart and essence of Ovid's storiesover the literal text.

While many narrated verses sound like verbatim translations, otherscenes clearly are not. In one scene, the god Apollo's son Phaeton, lies on apsychiatrists couch, explaining his distant relationship with his father. Inanother scene, pool noodles stand in for spears and swords to re-frame a bloodyand epic battle into post-post-ironic comedy. Not every Greek myth makes it tothe stage, but most should be familiar to audiences.

Throughout the stories, actors slink, crawl and dance to disco versionsof classical music, while others impressively climb and swing from aerial silkscabled to the ceiling as they ascend from Hades or descend into the smoky poolbelow. Unlike other versions of “Metamorphoses,” the frequently used 'pool' incenter stage and the focal point of many stories, does not contain real water.Instead, a smoke machine periodically fills the space, with equally effectiveresults.

Although there is a wide range of stage experience among the cast members— from freshman to theater program veterans — all feel equally committed toKeller's vision of experimental surrealism grounded in familiar emotions. Themyths are beautiful and timeless, and “Metamorphoses” breathes new life intoeach tale, while providing every actor with a moment to shine.

(The show includes some adult content and runs about an hour and 45minutes with no intermission.)

'Metamorphoses'
Lansing Community College Summer Under the Stars
8 p.m. Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23; 2 p.m. Sunday, July 24
Dart Auditorium
Free (but donations are accepted)
www.lcc.edu


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