Staged as a project of the OCC Repertory Theater under the direction of student Samantha Wellen, "Amphitryon 38" encounters problems the playwright never envisioned: actors fighting to be heard over the din of low-flying helicopters.
Amphitryon, a Greek general based in Thebes, goes off to the wars, leaving his wife, Alkemena, behind.
Alkemena's beauty attracts the attention of Jupiter, father of the gods, who yearns to spend a night with her. He accomplishes it by coming to her in the guise of Amphitryon.
What transpires next is not so much dramatic or comedic as it is merely philosophically conversational.
Alkemena is as faithful as she is beautiful and provides a worthy adversary for the romantic advances of the loquacious Jupiter.
Taylor McDermott not only is physically ideal for the role of Alkemena, she also turns a phrase with alacrity.
Less imposing is Steven Moe's Amphitryon, who resembles an earnest young lad more so than a military leader.
The showcase role of Jupiter is splendidly handled by Nick Breslin, who struts and frets like a preening peacock, amused that a woman might prefer her husband to such a magnificent deity as he. Another sharp performance is delivered by Sean Engard as the mischievous Mercury, who arranges his superior's assignation.
Other performers contributing to the elbow-jabbing of a legend include Lejla Kekic as a clever heralder, Hal Golson as a one-note trumpeter and Jessica Tegman as a proud and glamorous monarch.
It's said that everything old is new again, and while "Amphitryon 38" has nearly 80 years on its odometer, it'll be quite fresh to most local playgoers, unless they've caught Cole Porter's 1950 musical "Out of This World," based on the Giraudoux play. Besides, the price is right — there's no admission charge.
TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.
