Based on the timeless myths of the Roman poet Ovid, the episodic play, directed by PPT producing artistic director Ted Pappas, continues to Feb. 15, in the O'Reilly Theater. Like the Broadway and regional productions that were first directed by adapter Zimmerman (who won a Best Direction Tony for this project), the PPT staging's playing area is a shallow pool of water.
Appearing in a variety of roles are both Pittsburgh-based and international actors: J.T. Arbogast, Craig Baldwin, Ka-Ling Cheung, Tami Dixon, Darren Eliker, Daina Michelle Griffith, Lara Hillier, Daniel Krell, Sipiwe Moyo, and Bhavesh Patel. Ruth E. Kramer is the production stage manager, and Ashley J. Martin is the assistant stage manager.
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According to PPT, "The play's theme is transformation, and as created by Zimmerman, it allows each new director and design team to transform the production according to their unique vision.
"Built into the stage is a pool of water, the perfect representation of the fluidity of change. Enhanced by a stunning variety of lighting, sound and costume designs, ten actors will use the pool to evoke contemporary interpretations of Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. Zeus will start things off, making order out of chaos. We'll meet the greedy Midas and the vain Narcissus. Many couples come together or part, transformed by their relationships, including Orpheus & Eurydice and Eros & Psyche. The gods also turn things around: a naughty Aphrodite; a drunken Bacchus; Vertumnus, the god of springtime; and Poseidon, who stirs up quite a storm, among many others. Flowing through the production are many lessons, including the consequences of excess and lust, the virtues of honesty, and the power of love." The PPT creative team includes James Noone (scenic), Susan Tsu (costumes), Kirk Bookman (lighting) and Zach Moore (sound).
For tickets and more information, visit www.ppt.org.