Students in costumes rehearsing for Orpheus , Photo: Carlos Furtado
Students in costumes rehearsing for Orpheus , Photo: Carlos Furtado
A HIGH school in Marayong is teaching students and adults a great ancient Greek myth through a modern musical play.
Teacher Joe Lenehan, of St Andrews College, will present Orpheus- the Musical at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith, at 7pm today, October 16, and tomorrow, October 17.
It tells the story of King Orpheus, (Mario Fouad) a great musician, poet and prophet, and his attempt to retrieve his beautiful wife, Eurydice (Marilyn Bellett) from the Underworld.
She was bitten by a poisonous snake and carried off to the Underworld by the spirits of Pluto (Nick Dimata), the king of the Underworld.
Orpheus goes with his son, Alexios (Erik Abella) to try to bring Eurydice back to the land of the living.
Before they reach her they will confront the soldiers and spirits of the Underworld and Cerberus (Mark Samual), the three-headed dog.
Some 70 year 9 and 10 students make up the cast in the play while a seven-person band is led by music teacher Sue Cooper.
Mr Lenehan, who is also the director, said he chose the tale of Orpheus because of its adventure storyline.
"I have adopted a modern approach, but basically keeping the essence of an ancient Greek tale," he said.
"The audience will find out if Orpheus and Alexios are successful in their quest, or Pluto is too cunning for them all, by attending the play."
Book on 9626 1999.
Cost: Adults $15, students $10, family (two adults two kids) $45.