Metamorphoses
Aurora Fox Arts Studio
Theatre: 8/16 – 9/22
The Aurora Fox Arts
production of Mary Zimmerman’s “Metamorphoses” is utterly entrancing. Upon entering the auditorium one is
regaled with a superb set by Charlie Packard. It’s a superbly designed pool above
which a magnificent chandelier sparkles - and in, through and around which, the
very fine cast enacts stories taken from Ovid’s classic tales of Roman and
Greek mythology. With dazzling lighting by Shannon McKinney and an elegant
costume design by Meghan Anderson Doyle the theatergoer is treated to a sublime
production that is truly the stuff of dreams.
Charles Packard's set for "Metamorphoses"
Heraclitus said, “Everything
flows. Nothing stands still.” While this goes without saying Mary Zimmerman is
more intent on showing us the truth in the old French saying: “Plus ca change
plus c’est la meme chose.” (“The more things change the more they remain the
same.”
The understanding
that Truth is universal and that the lives of the ancients and those of people
living today have a great deal in common is one of the underlying thought forms
in Zimmerman’s play.
Geoff Kent’s
direction is the star of this show. His outstanding use of the space is so
fresh, creative and colorful that playwright Zimmerman’s juxtaposition of the classical
and the contemporary melds and flows into an exhilarating evening of theatre
you will never forget.
Michael Morgan is
pure gold as Midas. You may remember Morgan, who is one of Denver’s finest
actors, for his outstanding work in Curious Theatre’s production of Donald
Margulies’ “Time Stands Still.”
Zachary Andrews and Jaimie Morgan
Zachary Andrews
delights in numerous roles. This actor’s northern European good looks complete
with fair complexion and blond hair might make one wonder if the gods in
Scandinavian mythology had infiltrated the pantheon of Greek gods on Mount
Olympus. No one will care though since Andrews is such a great actor. Mr.
Andrews, who stunned as Edmund in Germinal Stage Denver’s “Long Day’s Journey
into Night,” is an actor to search out in every program.
Narrator Jada Roberts
opens the show with a sterling moment in which while stirring the waters of the
eye-popping onstage pool, she declares: “Bodies I have in mind and how they can
change to assume new shapes.” Later she sparkles in roles such as a winking
blue-collar worker and a nursemaid.
Jaimie Morgan’s aerial work above the
aquatic stage is breathtaking.
There are many new
faces in the cast all of whom this reviewer hopes to see onstage again soon.
They are: Carmen Vreeman, Michelle Hurtubise, Justin Walvoord and Ryan
Wuestewald,
This production comes
with the highest of recommendations from this reviewer’s desk. Tickets are $26 for adults and $22 for seniors
and students. For tickets and/or group rates call: 303-739-1970 or visit: www.AuroraFox.org
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