Photo coutesy of The Vortex Theatre

Based on Ovid's ancient Roman mythological epic poem, Metamorphoses brings to life a series of myths that explore love, transformation, and the human condition. With striking imagery and poetic language, Zimmerman's work blends myth and modern sensibilities in a stunning theatrical experience that features both human vulnerability and divine power. Through the dramatization of nine interconnected tales, the themes of love, loss, fate, and redemption are explored.

Dramatizing the Greek/Roman myths is a mainstay of the theatre. Ms. Albonico brings her considerable experience working with children to her approach to this play. The human vices of Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Envy, Wrath, and Pride are contrasted with the virtues of Prudence, Justice, Temperance, Courage, Faith, Hope and Charity. There is still a light touch to everything in this production which yields a playful and relaxed atmosphere.

Central to the success of any production of this play is the inclusion of a pool of water in the set design. Director Albonico has designed the set herself, and the resulting minimalist unit set is remarkably effective for the play, for the actors, and for utilizing the black box of the Vortex space. The raised platform with a central pool is flanked by ladders at the vertical ends. The audience is on platforms on two sides of the space. There is enough room for all the action and the ladders allow volume space to be used. Myths are otherworldly and some magical and poetic illusions are called for. This set provides the ideal blank slate for this action.

The costumes and properties could have contributed to this aesthetic more if they had been chosen and or designed with more intention. A striking and magnificent ship's sail would have been nice. Less fuss with smaller props could enhance this stylized production. The lighting by RayRey Griego illuminates the action well and is unobtrusive. A bit of color with the water pool is a welcome added touch. The costumes are utilitarian; hats are used well.

The director brings her dynamic approach to the play, infusing it with deep appreciation for its lyrical elements. Her chosen ensemble of actors works well together, each playing several parts in the nine well-chosen myths. They all execute the often very physical actions called for with skill. They embrace working with, in, and through the water with finesse. The spoken word is embraced with clear enunciation and varied volume and pace. All of the actors are strong and serve the play and their characters well.

Since the play's premiere in 1996 at Northwestern University and in subsequent productions since then, including the 2002 New York Broadway production at Circle in the Square, music has been a strong aesthetic element of the piece. In fact, the music composed by Willy Schwarz won a Drama Desk Award in 2002. The Vortex production includes only snippets of music, choral and instrumental, that are not credited. More inclusion of music and sound elements would have enhanced this production.

Director Lauren Albonico brings joy, humor, and beauty into the production, creating a visually striking and emotionally resonant experience for the audience. The central idea of Metamorphoses is the concept of change. To "metamorphose" means the striking change in appearance or character of something. Each vignette in the play illustrates this concept. Further, this theme is expressed in the use of water, the most diverse of the elements with the ability of instantaneous change. The redemptive power of human transformation, in all its forms, can bring change to all human problems, even death. Make plans to see Metamorphoses and embrace positive change!

Metamorphoses runs through February 2, 2025, at The Vortex Theatre, 2900 Carlisle Blvd., Albuquerque NM. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. General Admission $24, Discount Admission $19 (students, SAG,AFTRA). For tickets and information, please visit www.vortexabq.org or call 505-247-8600.

Directed by Lauren Albonico, Set Design by Lauren Albonico, Lighting Design by RayRey Griego. Cast: Alaina Beth Reel, Rachel Foster, Bridget S. Dunne, Versai Knight, Ed Chavez, Jeff Dolecek, Nicholas Johnson, Matthew Van Wettering. Understudies: Elia Vasquez, Tait Alexander.