Review: EURYDICE a Must See at The Living Room Theatre in Kansas City

Eurydice, the story of love lost, found, and lost again currently plays at The Living Room Theatre in Kansas City, MO. Written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Natalie Liccardello it is the retelling from Greek mythology of Eurydice, the wife of Orpheus and her travels into the Underworld following an early death. There she finds her father and faces a decision, whether to stay in Hades or leave with her husband Orpheus.

One change from the original script is in Act II when Orpheus finally gains entry into Hell by singing a sad song of Eurydice's name. He is told by the Lord of the Underworld to walk towards the gate and not look back or he will lose her forever. The original script calls for him to surrender to his desires and look back at his wife. Ruhl's version has her call out to him, causing him to turn and look at her, dooming her to an existence in Hell for the rest of eternity. The audience is left to decide if she calls out because she is afraid of returning to earth with him or because she wants to stay with her father.

The Living Room Theatre does a good job of transforming its small intimate stage into an earth bound playground and the vast emptiness of death and Hell at the same time. Costuming by Kate Mott pulls the audience into the presence, without distracting from the story line.

Daria LeGrand returns to the Living Room in the starring role of Eurydice. She gives a wonderful performance, though at times you may wonder why a person would smile so much when taking up residency in Hell. She has appeared with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KC Rep), Egads Theatre Company and The Coterie Theatre among others.

Tim Ahlenius gives a powerful standout performance as the Father of Eurydice. The strength of his interpretation of the character is natural and realistic, exposing the love a father has for his daughter. This is the sixth production Ahlenius has been involved in with The Living Room Theatre. He has appeared with the KC Rep, The Coterie, and Spinning Tree Theatre among other local stage companies.

Brian Hunter does a good job in the role of the grieving Orpheus. He has appeared with KC Rep, The Living Room, and KC Improv Company among others. Zachary Parker, Dianne Yvette, and Ben Auxier star as the Stones. The Stones seem to be the conscience of Hell, as they repeatedly tell the other characters what is and is not acceptable in the Underworld. Matthew Schmidli plays an Interesting Man and Cam Burns stars as the Lord of the Underworld.

Ruhl's unique perspective of the original Greek Eurydice and the quality production of The Living Room Theatre makes this a show that everyone should put on their must see list. Eurydice continues at the theater through February 22. Purchase tickets at The Living Room Theatre website. Photo by Paul Andrews Photography courtesy of The Living Room Theatre.

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