By Mia Kerner
After months of preparation, the GRCC Players are presenting the myth of Orpheus through the perspective of the story’s heroine March 17-19 at Grand Rapids Community College’s Spectrum Theater.
Reimagined by Sarah Ruhl with direction by Jason Flannery, this production takes a timeless mythological love story in an alluring new direction. Full of stunning visuals and heart-wrenching plot-twists, Eurydice will be sure to enthrall.
Flannery, a GRCC alumni and Adjunct Professor of Acting, Directing, and Improvisation, has taken on this exciting directorial challenge as a passion project of sorts.
He describes the production of Eurydice as “an incredibly surreal play about grief and death and memory, full of poetic language and music… so it’s right up my alley. I have directed it before, actually, but with student designers and a lean budget, so I’m grateful and excited to work on a more realized production with a team of artists that I trust and whose work I am incredibly excited to share!
“I hope the audience walks away surprised and touched by this semi-autobiographical fairy tale that playwright Sarah Ruhl has given us,” Flannery continues. I hope they’ll see the outstanding potential of Grand Rapids artists and GRCC’s student body. Maybe invest some time into future productions, and maybe even audition!”
Jake Bieniewicz, who portrays Orpheus, has had nothing short of a wonderful experience with the GRCC players while constructing this show.
“Building upon and understanding the character of Orpheus was definitely one of my favorite things to explore during the process for this show. Learning who Orpheus is and portraying his story up on the stage is a truly special experience that I will never forget,” Bieniewicz shares.
Bieniewicz urges his audience to understand that “this show is a rollercoaster of emotions! Through sadness, excitement, and even [discomfort], I believe everyone can connect with this story in their own way.”
The GRCC Players will be taking the stage at the Spectrum Theater on March 17-19 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available to purchase now, selling at $12 for general admission, $8 for GRCC faculty and staff, and $5 for GRCC students.
For more information, call (616) 234-3387 or visit grcc.edu/theater.
