Metamorphoses review

Once the show closes, I promise I'll get some pictures up.


Young actors shine in Limelight's 'Metamorphoses'
REVIEW By AMANDA KOUBEK-KELLER
AmandaKeller@Coloradoan.com

We've all heard the old adage "age is just a number." In many cases this couldn't be further from the truth. But in the case of Limelight Theatre Co.'s production of "Metamorphoses," age is just a number. The entire cast of this wonderful show are just pups - ranging in age from 13 to mid-20s - but they show up casts twice their age and experience in the theater.

The tale of Ovid's "Metamorphoses" is something nearly everyone can relate to. We've all been in a situation where an experience changed our actions, and our souls, for better or worse. Each of the many myths told in this production is centered around change and a "metamorphoses" of the body, soul and mind. Many of the tales are sad, such as the tale of Midas and his golden touch, but many of the tales are more lighthearted such as Vertumnus and his quest to win the heart of Pomona.

The cast of "Metamorphoses" does an amazing job of balancing depressing myths with more jovial tales and keeping the audience entertained and interested. The entire 90-minute performance takes place around a 1,000-gallon pool in the center of the stage with actors entering some scenes through an underwater access shaft. These young performers spend more than half of their stage time soaking wet. Each cast member also plays multiple roles with some performing as many as six characters during the show.

For this cast, the script is only half of the show. The physical comedy used by Zach Brown (as Vertumnus, Servant, Narrator and Zeus) and Alex Reid (as Bacchus, Hermes and Erysichton) more than balances the sadness in some of the myths they perform. Brown, a student at Colorado State University, and Reid, who has performed with other troupes in town, play well off each other and keep the audience laughing.

A newcomer (and youngest cast member at 13), Emily Eisele, shows great potential for growth and stardom at the local level and maybe even higher. She was able to handle subject matter a bit mature for her age without showing a hint of uneasiness or disgust. While this is not her first local performance, Eisele shines as one of the top performers in this production.

While the entire Limelight cast is remarkable, there are some members who stand out more than others. One is Nici Stephens, who landed the tough role of playing hunger during the Erysichton myth. She is able to stay in character while wearing a skimpy swimsuit covered with moss and other scratchy adornments and clinging to Erysichton with all her might, giving the image of consuming him. Stephens, in her acting debut, also plays the roles of Laundress, Pomona, Fate and Psyche.

Two downsides to the production of “Metamorphoses” is the short run time (six performances in two weeks) and the overuse of a drum in the soundtrack, which drowns out the dialogue in some scenes.

It has been a while since a production has blown me away like Limelight’s “Metamorphoses” did. Not only did I laugh, cry, chide myself and feel genuine empathy for the characters, but I also was amazed at the talent showcased on such a small stage. This is one production not to miss.

Originally published July 6, 2006