York Little Theatre is presenting a most unusual production. Mary Zimmerman's The Metamorphoses is a modern adaptation of Ovid's thrilling mythological stories recorded in the reign of Augustus Caesar circa 13 BC. Zimmerman focuses on ten myths with modern relevancy such as King Midas, Orpheus and Eurydice, Alcyone and Ceyx, and Phaeton; and they are told with a strong element of choreography and lyrical dialog.
However, the striking feature of this show is the swimming pool, designed and engineered by Ray Olewiler, around and in which the action takes place. The pool is the physical and emotional center of the show, evoking natural and emotional turbulence as well as serenity. The water represents everything from the wind-whipped ocean that tears lovers apart to the incestuous passion visited on a father and daughter.
Director Virginia Bartholomew returns to YLT from New York City where she is a director, actor and classical text coach. Previous Directing credits at YLT include Treasure Island, Much Ado About Nothing,and The Vagina Monologues. "This cast (of 22) has been absolutely delightful," says Bartholomew. "They are of a wide variety of ages and types." The timeless element of change and transformation is what is meaningful to Bartholomew. "These stories are universal and still ring true today."
Technical Director Bob McCleary will begin construction after Memorial Day on an indoor, custom-made swimming pool in the YLT Studio. "How many shows have a swimming pool?" laughs McCleary. It will hold 4,000 gallons of water, be approximately 2 feet high, and be surrounded on all sides by a multi-leveled deck. The water will be fully filtered and pumped. "We are hoping to find a pool company willing to help with the pumping system, chemicals and filtering," explains McCleary. "Cintas is donating non-slip rubber matting for us to have back stage." There will also be a secret underwater entrance and exit from the pool. "This allows us to have magical exits and entrances," explains McCleary. The theatre will have to contend with many secondary considerations such as maintaining proper humidity in the room, an abundance of clean towels, and safety locks on all doors leading to the Studio. And yes, audience members in the front rows may get wet. "Actors will have daily support jobs such as mopping the floor, checking the water, and drying the seats," smiles McCleary.
Costume Coordinator Patee Pizzirousso has some unusual challenges for this show as well. "Not every character gets wet," explains Pizzirousso. But all 60 costumes will be of waterproof construction and materials. The fabrics can't weigh the actors down and must be easily dried. "I am really excited about this show. It's a great challenge," says Pizzirousso. She will be providing each character with a base costume which can be changed with different tops, bottoms and accessories. "It's Greco-Roman style costuming using vibrant colors, which were a sign of aristocracy," explains Pizzirousso.
The Metamorphoses performances are June 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 8 p.m. and June 21 and 28 at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $10 - $20 and may be purchased on line at www.ylt.org or by calling the box office at 717-854-5715, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. The Metamorphoses is sponsored by Thomas A. DiMaggio, Esq., and is part of the 2008-2009 Columbia Gas Season.
York Little Theatre is a nonprofit community theatre which values and nurtures the irreplaceable role of the arts and is dedicated to engaging and enriching its entire, diverse community in the dramatic arts through a broad range of professionally directed, entertaining, stimulating, and sometimes provocative performances.
York Little Theatre is located at 27 South Belmont Street, York PA at exit 19A of I-83, just south of Market Street. York Little Theatre is a proud member of The Cultural Alliance of York.
