Rafael Goldstein and Erika Soto (foreground) in Metamorphoses at A Noise Within (Photo – Craig Schwartz)
What a clever, ambitious, and 100% successful project!
By Carol Edger Germain
Director Julia Rodriguez-Elliott mesmerizes us with her vision of Mary Zimmerman’s award-winning “Metamorphoses.” Once the curtain opens to a pool built on the stage, the audience can anticipate that it’s going to play a role in every scene. It serves brilliantly, standing in as a street, the ocean, a psychologist’s office, a battlefield, background for a romantic rendezvous, and more. The drama and mystique of the pool sets a high bar for the director, actors, costumes, lighting, and set design, and all follow suit for a stunning and captivating production.
Numerous vignettes erupt in and around the pool, with the nine actors playing dozens of roles and all achieving some degree of wetness. Evoking ancient Greek myths with modern touches and seamless twists worked well and made the stories new and unique, and the numerous well-timed insertions of modern props and references were downright funny.
The entire cast was amazingly adept in transitioning from role to role as they presented “updates” on the lives of ancient gods such as Midas, Orpheus, and Aphrodite, with a sprinkling of mere mortals. Excellent timing, solid performances from everyone, and an extra perk for those in the front row – a couple of splashes from the pool during especially exuberant scenes. I will definitely be going back to absorb more of this enthralling gem and laugh again at the humorous interpretations of various ancient relationships and interactions.
A welcome escape from the real world, especially now when there seems to be very little beauty or humor going around. Small, comfortable theater, friendly staff, free parking. Don’t miss it!
Written by Mary Zimmerman. Based on the myths of Ovid, from the translation by David R. Slavit. Directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott. Starring DeJuan Christopher, Geoff Elliott, Rafael Goldstein, Nicole Javier, Kasey Mahaffy, Sydney A. Mason, Trisha Miller, Cassandra Marie Murphy, Erika Soto A NOISE WITHIN 3352 E Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107 Tickets start at $25 Through June 5. Health: Check website for Covid-19 protocols (currently full vaccination and masks are required). Free parking around the corner in the structure at 149 N. Halstead.
Kasey Mahaffy and Geoff Elliott in Metamorphoses (Photo – Craig Schwartz)
Rafael Goldstein and Nicole Javier (Photo – Craig Schwartz)
Metamorphoses’ Ensemble (Photo – Craig Schwartz)
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