Technically Marvelous — A Noise Within's 'Eurydice'

Even as they penned their fantastical, supernatural tales, could the ancient Greek mythologizers have ever envisioned their work being translated and performed thousands of years later? on the other side of the globe? with state-of-the-art lighting and digital projections? I dunno. But what I can say for certain is that A Noise Within's production of Sarah Ruhl's acclaimed Eurydice is a hauntingly beautiful, impressive technological accomplishment.

Atop a bare, textured stage (shared with two other plays in rep) ANW's brilliant design team, helmed by Geoff Elliott, creates a world worthy of Ruhl's psychedelic imaginings. Lighting designer Ken Booth and projection designer Brian Gale paint the stage again and again with amazing effects, turning their blank canvas into a wedding aisle, a rainy sky, a highrise penthouse, the side of the same skyscraper as Eurydice plummets into the Underworld, and more. Scenic designer Jeanine A. Ringer makes the most of the minimalist concept. I loved the Dante-esque blue hues. And the rain in the elevator was way cool. Yes, you read that right. Rain, elevator.

Ruhl's story is a heroine-centric take of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, which centers on the intense love between Orpheus (Graham Sibley) and Eurydice (strongly projected by Jules Willcox). You know at the end of The Princess Bride, when Grandpa says there are five kisses rated the most passionate, the most pure? O and E's snog was one 'em. Seriously. Homeboy's willing to go to Hades (Hell) to rescue her soul. That's the kinda love the audience should see.

As far as the acting goes, which (from my Poor Theatre POV) is the most vital element of theatre, well... I'll defer to a post-show conversation I overheard while filing out of ANW's beautiful space:

What'd you think?
The beginning was... awkward.
Yeah... I think it was supposed to be romantic.
Yeah, I know. But it was just... awkward.

And, thus, the narrative thread snapped before the first scene change.

Eurydice continues at A Noise Within until May 19. Get your tix here or by calling 626-356-3100.

* All photos by Craig Schwartz.

LA theater reviews by LA Theater Critic.