Eurydice Challenges Crew, Entertains Audience

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After a two-month-long production, the Rocket Players’ Winter Drama, Eurydice, opened to positive reception during its inaugural performance this Thursday.  The play is a modern adaptation of the ancient Greek romance tale of Eurydice and Orpheus, conducted in black-box format with minimal usage of props.

“Everyone did very well in performing their roles, and I specifically enjoyed the pits’ musical performance throughout the play,” senior Jacob Gmeiner, an attendee at the opening night premiere, said.

Gmeiner had no advance knowledge of the play’s storyline or content but found it “interesting and compelling, not particularly hard to follow.”

“We had a little bit lower turnout than I thought we would, but I think it was still fun,” junior Sienna LaTonzea, a run crew member said.  “I thought [the production] went really well.  We have an amazing cast and crew, and I don’t think we could be doing a better job than we are right now,” she said.

Following their wedding, a tragic accident sends Eurydice into the underworld.  Orpheus must use his musical talent to bring her back to life, while Eurydice encounters unfamiliar relatives who teach her about her past.

Its production was not without difficulties, both for the cast and crew.  “Throughout our show, we had a lot of monologues, so that must have been very difficult for our cast members.”  LaTonzea also mentioned that the broken pit required the cast to continuously haul stage items around, delaying the construction of the final set and thus challenging the crew’s plans.

Another complicated aspect of the production involved the makeup of three actresses who played talking stones.  Kaylee Collins, a freshman, said:  “We do have a limited time frame, and since the makeup that we use is water-based, we have to try to make sure that the make-up does not fade if the actors sweat.”

Nevertheless, Collins shared her enjoyment that she has for her role.

“Airbrushes can be pretty challenging to use, you have to make sure to get it perfect, and we want to make sure it looks good for the show.  But overall, it’s a really fun experience, and we get to be really creative,” Collins said.

Sophomore Marcus Gallatin, who plays the male lead Orpheus, said, “Everyone has put so many hours into this show, whether it is building the set, rehearsing, or attending crew meetings to bring this Greek mythological play to life. For everyone who saw the show, the cast and crew of Eurydice thank you!”

Showings of the production will continue Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.  Seating may be limited; its black-box format means all seats are on the stage.