Both are doomed quests by unhappy husbands, and both touch on the human search for meaning and love. If you like these ideas delivered with absurd hilarity and a few f-bombs for spice, go to Riverwalk. If you want them with a classier, more poetic... well, "mythic" slant, go to Peppermint Creek.
Eurydice is Sarah Ruhl's modern take on the Greek myth, and does feature some humor, many imaginative touches, and excellent performances under the able direction of Mary Job. Mary’s directors note is a good read, pointing out the properties of memory as connection to others and to our own identities. Memory is supposedly erased by a dip in the River Lethe, however the love of a devoted father overcomes this memory loss, and sets up the pull between love of father and love of a husband.
Michael Boxleitner is dreamy, determined, and anguished as poor Orpheus, and Sally Hecksel embodies his blithe, girlish bride Eurydice. She is seduced by "Nasty Interesting Man/Lord of the Underworld" (Heath Sartorius) luring her with a letter from her devoted but dead father (an endearing Jeff Boerger). Death and descent in the fantastical Underworld Elevator awaits poor Eurydice.
The set is quite a playground with not only the fun elevator, but also a surprising trapdoor ramp, an artistic drinking fountain, a lofty tower/platform, a clever umbrella “house” and the gauzy River Lethe. (“Father” Jeff Boerger is also the set designer.)
I especially enjoyed the three contrasting versions of Heath’s bizarre character — and the STONES were amazing: a delightful Greek Chorus — Connor Kelly, Angela Dill and Veronica Gracia-Wing — with fantastical makeup by Anna Szabo, and strong, well choreographed performances.
Eurydice continues Thursday-Sunday through April 9 (8pm/2pm Sun) $15 ($10 student/senior 65+)
http://www.peppermintcreek.org