DANBURY, Connecticut — Western Connecticut State University’s Department of Theatre Arts will stage Drama Desk Award winner and Tony Award nominated “Metamorphoses” in the university’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury, from April 29 – May 8, 2022. Tickets are available at www.wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com/.
Written by American playwright and director Mary Zimmerman, this play opened in Broadway’s Circle on the Square Theatre in 2002 and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play and received the 2002 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, among several other awards. “Metamorphoses” is based on Ovid’s transformation myths, focusing on the concept of change. A series of vignettes, the play subtly mixes the ancient stories of pathos and tragedy with contemporary language, humor and thought. The WCSU production is directed by Professor of Theater Arts Sal Trapani, a theater writer and composer who is also trained in mime, modern dance and stage combat.
“This production of ‘Metamorphoses’ juxtaposes the ancient and the modern, using original music, dance, song and spoken word to create a ravishing theatricalization of Roman poet Ovid’s powerful masterwork,” said Trapani, adding that, “A brilliant company of student performers embody figures from Greek mythology to share both well-known and rarely told stories of transformation and change in this visually stunning and moving production.”
WCSU’s interpretation of “Metamorphoses” is appropriate for ages 12 and up. Tickets should be purchased in advance at https://www.wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com/. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $15 for seniors, children under 12 and students; and $10 for WCSU students (plus fees); they may be higher if purchased at the box office. Showtimes are 8 p.m. on Friday, April 29; 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 30; 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 1; 8 p.m. on Friday, May 6; 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 7; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 8.
The WCSU main cast of “Metamorphoses,” who each play various roles, includes: Assef Badr, of Stratford; Warren Blidgen, of Windsor; Julia Bussell, of Westfield, Massachusetts; Raul Calderon, of Waterbury; Abby Cunningham, of Deep River; Rebecca Donaghy, of Larchmont, New York; Jenna Drahota, of New Milford; Alaina Dwyer, of Orange; Leo Faitakes, of Brewster, New York; Immanuel Farmer, of New York, New York; Sean Gorman, of Bethel; Colby Groves, of Woodstock; Grace Goosman of Endwell, New York; Teagan La’Shay, of Seymour; Cara Leahy, of Pawling, New York; Tory M. Lopez of Westchester, New York; Michael Moriarty, of West Haverstraw, New York; Anna Raymond, of Pomfret; Teah M. Renzi, of Newtown; Nicole Rivera, of Patterson, New York; Alex Rushton, of White River Junction, Vermont; Reagan Smith, of Wolcott; Beno Urena, of Bridgeport; Sophia Vessecchia, of Westchester, New York; Justin Villard, of Stamford; and Samya Woodard, of Bronx, New York. Production Stage Manager is Sara Stone, of Thomaston.
For more information, contact Eric Gomez at gomeze@wcsu.edu or the Office of Public Relations at pr@wcsu.edu. Click here to join the WCSU School of Visual and Performing Arts mailing list or go to www.wcsu.edu/svpa/events/ for a list of performance events.
Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.