Eurydice - Maria Surprise

Spring has finally come to Atlanta, and so it is fitting to have a story of young love playing on the Hertz stage at the Alliance Theatre.  Playwright Sarah Ruhl’s modern take on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is one of my favorites of the 2007-08 season.  Everything about this play works for me – the acting, directing, music, lighting, set design – all come together to create pure, elegant poetry.  Movement and rhythm are integral to this performance, and the amazing lighting effects by Justin Townsend are thrilling to behold.  I was mesmerized watching Eurydice’s descent into the underworld; Melinda Helfrich as Eurydice imbues her fall with beauty and grace. 

Don’t be concerned that this play is all about lost lovers and sad laments.  There is plenty of humor, brought forth through the three stones – all expertly played by Neal Ghant, Paul Hester, and Courtney Patterson – as well as the Lord of the Underworld, Andrew Benator, hamming it up nicely for the audience.  Without giving anything away, let me just say that the Lord of the Underworld sure knows how to make an entrance!

Unlike Eurydice and Orpheus, I hope the partnership between the Alliance Theatre and Georgia Shakespeare endures in this world, and continues to bring Atlanta more theatrical works of this caliber.

Comments

[Jay Freer]

I have gone to more plays than I can count. This is a special evening of theatre.

The casting, the acting, the lighting, the set design, the costume design, the acting the directing - all combine to make this one of my favorite evenings in professional theatre.

There are so many moments I could describe, powerful images, resonant moments - I could go on and on. Rather I urge everyone to go see this amazing production and experience it for themselves. The moments with the string created some of the most powerful moments for me. Be open and engaged and you will experience omething very different. This is world class theatre.

Under Susan Booth, the Alliance has grown so much. This co-production is another example of how two of the best theatres in town are growing and becoming. It is up to all of us as audience members and patrons to support and nurture these two amazing companies.

What a wonderful treat and such a gift to us all.