BWW Reviews: Bayou City Theatrics' METAMORPHOSES is Divine

METAMORPHOSES, by Mary Zimmerman, is based on the classical Greek myths of Ovid. The play unfolds in a series of vignettes instead of a long story with a linear plot. Multiple narrators are used to tell and comment on the story. Each vignette is poignant and captivating in its own way.

The central theme of METAMORPHOSES is the concept of change. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary to "metamorphose" means to change into a different physical form, especially by supernatural means. The theme of change is expressed by the play's use of water. The primary feature of the set in METAMORPHOSES is a pool. It sits center stage and is central to all of the stories. It is within those waters in which the actors stand, sit, walk and lounge. The pool transforms into many things and places such as the swimming pool of King Midas, the ocean in which Ceyx drowns, Narcissus' mirror and the River Styx of the Underworld . As characters move about and leave the pool they are transformed.

Director Colton Berry gathered a terrific cast to do tragedy's and comedy's bidding.The large cast, all of whom play multiple roles, is strong and balanced. Erica Bundy impresses as Hunger and is powerful playing Myrrah. Richard Sabatucci is silly and charming as smitten god of seasons Vertumnus, who spins a yarn in hopes of wooing Pomona (played by the hilarious Ashlee Zoch). We even feel a pang for Dustin A. Salinas' Midas, who is sent to wander the Earth in hopes of reversing a wish. What a stunning pose he and his daughter strike after Midas' request that everything he touches turns to gold comes true.

Director Colton Berry has done a fine job of pulling all the production elements together into a cohesive whole. Berry's costume designs complete the visual power of the show, whether they are fluttering around the edge of the pool or whether they are sopping wet from action in the pool's waters. The costumes are versatile and work well with little touches added to accentuate each vignette.

Much of the play's action is beautifully choreographed and delivered with confident physicality. One of my favorite scenes showcasing physicality is the tale of lost-at-sea Cyex. It is stunning when the actors take on the elements and plunge Alcyone's beloved husband again and again into the roiling waters. Berry's music design is wonderfully creative and atmospheric. It builds up the tension of each vignette and adds cohesion to the story as a whole.

While the characters and myths are ancient, their stories can serve as a guide to proper human life. Relating to their experiences and empathizing with them is not difficult. From Midas to Orpheus, and from Alcyone to Baucis, mortals undergo various metamorphoses, or physical changes, which reflect their internal character. Pomposity is punished, while benevolence and love are rewarded. In order to emphasize the timeless nature of these myths, some take place in antiquity, while others have modern portrayals to better relate their stories to today. These myths, however, offer more than just simple morals like the importance of humility and piety. METAMORPHOSES also shows why myths themselves retain importance and relevance.

You do not have to be familiar with the classical Greek myths of gods and mortals in order to enjoy METAMORPHOSES. The visual and narrative elements combine to create powerful images. Bayou City Theatrics provides a sensual and hypnotic experience with its rendering of a timeless perspective on life, arrogance, love and redemption. It is quite easy to become engrossed with the actors, the myths and their transforming waters. METAMORPHOSES is nothing short of a beautifully divine theatre experience.

METAMORPHOSES runs January 16 through February 1 at Bayou City Theatrics' downtown theatre, The Kaleidoscope, located at 705 Main Street at Capitol, Suite B. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 5:00 p.m. For tickets and more information please visit www.BayouCityTheatrics.com

Photos courtesy of Bayou City Theatrics.

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