At last we know why Orpheus — against all warnings and cautions — turns around.
Of course we’re referring to the much-loved Greek tragedy where Orpheus — a rock star of his time — loses his wife Eurydice on their wedding day. Overcome with grief, Orpheus travels to the underworld where his music so softens the heart of Hades that the god of the underworld allows Eurydice to return to Earth with Orpheus — as long as the musician does not look back as they walk. Alas, now we know why he does.
But that solution is only part of the wonder of “Eurydice” by Sarah Ruhl. Taking contemporary characters, modern scenery and a “Jesus Christ Superstar” approach to the music, it’s easy to see why the story was a smash in New York and will likely fill the Round House throughout its run.
In this telling, Eurydice (Jenna Sokolowski) is lovely but a bit immature. Orpheus (Adriano Gatto) is a studious, gifted musician.
Spoiler Alert: In the story, Eurydice lost her father (Harry A. Winter) at a young age and has never quite recovered, as evidenced by her wistful reminiscences. Little does she realize her father — dead in the underworld — is also mourning his loss of her, as he heart- wrenchingly pretends to walk his beloved daughter down the aisle beaming with parental pride.
As some critics have noted, it helps to have a bit of background on the original story, because some of the dialogue is a bit elusive otherwise, though the attentive listener will be able to discern what’s going on.
And there’s no mistaking some characters, including Hades (Mitchell Hébert) as a silly, wacky and still quite evil antagonist or the three “stones” (KenYatta Rogers, Susan Lynskey and Linden Tailor) who soften Eurydice’s sorrow and convince her to accept death. Not until she is reunited with her father does she accept — and almost relish — her passing from the world.
“Eurydice” contains waters of forgetfulness and plenty of heartache. Don’t forget Eurydice mourns and loves her father perhaps more than she loves anyone else.
OK — those are all the clues we’ll give you about what leads to the Orpheus “oops!” Suffice to say, the message of Eurydice is that life is to be cherished and enjoyed. Hear all of the music, the notes and the words — and relish them.
Nowhere is the message sweeter — and more compelling — than in this production.
If you go
Production: ‘Eurydice’
Where: Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda
When: Various times through March 1.
Details: $25 and $50; (240) 644-1100; roundhousetheatre.org
