A fresh retelling of the classic Greek myth The Voyage of Jason and the Argonauts, ARGONAUTIKA is currently on repertory at A Noise Within (ANW) alternating with OTHELLO and THE GLASS MENAGERIE. Don’t let the idea of watching Greek mythology scare you; ARGONAUTIKA is easy to understand and meant to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The story was adapted by playwright Mary Zimmerman, and it’s directed at ANW by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott.
In ARGONAUTIKA, Greek goddesses Hera and Athena promise to watch over Jason, especially as jealous King Pelias sends him to retrieve the Golden Fleece from mean King Aeetes. The trip to get that accomplished is full of adventures, obstacles, dragons, and more.
This production of ARGONAUTIKA is a sensory feast that includes actors swinging from ropes and working from the aisles, fabric that is made to look like the ocean, a singer twirling from aerial silks, battles, songs, and much more.
The cast is made up of 16 talented actors, out of which I must mention Frederick Stuart as a hilarious and ultra vain Hercules; Cassandra Marie Murphy as the Woman of Lemnos, back at ANW with her fabulous voice (which changes none even as she hangs upside down from silk ropes); Trisha Miller, for letting us imagine what Athena may have really looked like; Veralyn Jones for infusing humor and regality into Hera; and Ty Mayberry (on his debut at ANW) for performing a fierce Jason.
It was also exciting to see Evan Lewis Smith on his first appearance with ANW, an actor that I’ve grown to love with every passing summer of Shakespeare at Griffith Park; as well as Lorena Ruiz, a graduate of ELAC Theatre Arts Department, on her debut with the company, because every time a new Latino face makes it to the ANW stage my heart does a little dance.
ARGONAUTIKA is two hours long, plus a 15-minute intermission. Time, however, flies as you watch, because the play captivates with its music, action, and color. It’s an enchanting show that will make you look at the stars in the sky with a new purpose.
ARGONAUTIKA will perform on:
Saturday, April 6, at 8 pm
Thursday, April 11, at 7:30 pm
Friday, April 12, at 8 pm (with a post-show conversation)
Sunday, April 21, at 2 pm (with a post-show conversation)
Sunday, April 21, at 7 pm (with a post-show conversation) – Use code SUNDAYRUSH online after 12 am on this date for $25 tickets, or at the box office after 2 pm.
Saturday, April 27, at 2 pm
Saturday, April 27, at 8 pm
Thursday, May 2, at 7:30 pm
Friday, May 3, at 8 pm (with a post-show conversation)
Saturday, May 4, at 2 pm
Saturday, May 4, at 8 pm; and
Saturday, May 5, at 2 pm
Tickets are available at anoisewithin.org or by calling (626) 356-3121. Students with ID can purchase $20 Student Rush tickets an hour before each performance.
A Noise Within is located at 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., in Pasadena CA 91107.
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