A Retelling of Ancient Greek Myths with a Splash!

Mission Viejo, CA – The Department of Theatre Arts is thrilled to present Saddleback College students in Metamorphoses – A Playwritten and originally directed by Mary Zimmerman. Directed by Robert Prior, this intriguing play takes place in the McKinney Theatre on November 7^th through the 10^th. Adapted from the classic Ovid poem, Metamorphoses is deeply moving and humorous, weaving familiar Greek mythology into a stunning exploration of love, loss, memory, imagination and the power to adapt and endure. Zimmerman’s gifts for storytelling and theatricality shine in this deeply affecting retelling of, among others, Midas, Eros and Psyche, Narcissus, and Phaeton and his therapist. Nominated for the 2002 Tony Award, Metamorphoseswon the 2002 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play.

An exciting feature of the play is a pool of water that has been constructed center stage. According to director Robert Prior, all the actors will at some point be immersed in the water feature. Actors will swim, fight, and fall in love in the pool. His concept for Metamorphoses is the retelling of ancient Greek myths in a dynamic and exciting manner.  All the tales concern transformation. Live music, particularly percussion, combined with singing will create a mysterious, ritualistic atmosphere. The costumes, like all technical elements in the production, evoke both the ancient and the modern world, illustrating the continuous relevance of these tales.  All the actors play multiple roles and participate in the storytelling, sound effects, and music.  Some tales are richly humorous, others deeply tragic.  The show takes place without an intermission in an unbroken 90 minutes. It is a journey into the mythic realm that allows the audience to see their own lives in relationship to ancient archetypes. Don’t miss this creative production and if you’re sitting in the first few rows, bring your raincoat!

Dates are November 7, 8, 9 at 7:30 p.m. and November 9, 10 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling (949) 582-4656 (noon-4:00 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday) and online atwww.saddleback.edu/arts. Prices are $15 general; $10 students/seniors.

The Department of Theatre Arts’ program at Saddleback College produces several fully-staged shows each year.  All students are given the opportunity to audition for every production yet Theatre Arts students are given priority in the casting process.  In addition, there are numerous opportunities for students to contribute in backstage activities through the Entertainment and Theater Technology program.

Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Pkwy in Mission Viejo, just east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit.  Free parking is available in Lot 12.  Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn left to the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance. Turn right into the campus and take the third left to Theatre Circle, turning right into Lot 12.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community.  Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals.  For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.