Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Artpark will host `The Odyssey` on Aug. 4-5.
Artpark will host "The Odyssey" on Aug. 4-5.

Artpark & Company presents Western New York premiere of 'The Odyssey'

Submitted

Mon, Jul 9th 2018 02:05 pm
Groundbreaking musical theatre collaboration to feature Broadway stars, regional talent and 100+ community members August 4 & 5, 2018
On Monday, Artpark & Company began rehearsals for the musical "The Odyssey," which will feature 100-plus participants.
"The Odyssey" is a story of high adventure and true love, and a theatrical celebration for the whole family adapted from the Homer's epic tale. Broadway stars, regional actors, students, local performance groups and community members will join onstage in an unprecedented area effort of theater of, for and by the people.
Performances are 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, in the Mainstage Theater. Tickets are $25 and on sale now at artpark.net, tickets.com, by phone at 1-888-223-6000 or in person at the Artpark box office, 450 S. Fourth St., Lewiston.
Should one still wish to participate, Artpark is accepting participation from non-professional adult participants. Those interested may call 716-754-9000, ext. 142, or email [email protected] for schedule and information.
"The Odyssey" was originally adapted with music and new lyrics by Todd Almond, and conceived and originally directed by Lear Debessonet. It was originally commissioned and produced by Public Theater, New York City's "Public Works" program. Artpark's production is led by distinguished director Roger Danforth (member of Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers) along with an accomplished professional production team and stars: Broadway's Terence Archie (member of Actors Equity Association) as Odysseus (reprising his role from Seattle Rep's 2017 production); Courtney Balan (member of Actors Equity Association) as Penelope/Circe; Christopher Guilmet (member of Actors Equity Association) as The Singer; and noted mime Gregg Goldston as Cyclops.
A unique aspect of this production and the Public Works concept is that it blends both professional and non-professional performers and community volunteers through a series of extended rehearsals and workshops. Community partners include: People Inc.; Empower; Buffalo Public Adult Education Division ESL program; Artpark volunteer corps; Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1; Iroquois Indian Band; The Slyboots School of Music, Art & Dance; Mount Erie Baptist Church Choir; and Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus.
"For us, this era-spanning, epic poem written a couple of millennia ago, viewed through the contemporary lens, is a story illuminating the often-invisible members of our society who grow, heal and get celebrated in the process. It is also a journey of the new creative team coming together through collaborations that span our entire state." said Artpark & Company Executive Director Sonia Clark.
"The Odyssey" is partially funded by The Charles D. and Mary A. Bauer Foundation and sponsored by Niagara Falls Coachlines, Modern Corp., Benderson Development, DiMino Tops Lewiston and The Donald F. and Barbara L. Newman Family Foundation. Special thanks to the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce.
Visit www.artpark.net for more information on "The Odyssey."

Hometown News

View All News