by Emily Edelman
Living Room Theatre’s “Amor & Psyche: A Mythological Comedy” is taken from the classical story included in the second-century work “Metamorphosis” by Apuleius. LRT co-founder Randolyn Zinn’s retelling moves quickly with updated language and situations that connect with a modern audience without undermining the source material.
Director Zinn has assembled a remarkable cast, most of whom play several characters and excel at each one. Matt Dallal’s range is noticeable and impressive as he switches among the three aspects of his main role and the two other unique characters he portrays. Valeri Mudek plays Aphrodite with a sinister grace, owning the performance space each time she appears. Xingrong Chen as Psyche is sweet and earnest, easily and believably making friends in the unlikeliest of places.
Matt Dallal & Xingrong Chen in Living Room Theatre’s production of “Amor & Psyche” written and directed by Randolyn Zinn. 
Living Room Theatre’s production of “Amor & Psyche” written and directed by Randolyn Zinn. 
Xingrong Chen & Michael Chinworth in Living Room Theatre’s production of “Amor & Psyche” written and directed by Randolyn Zinn. 
Valeri Mudek in Living Room Theatre’s production of “Amor & Psyche” written and directed by Randolyn Zinn. 
Xingrong Chen in Living Room Theatre’s production of “Amor & Psyche” written and directed by Randolyn Zinn. 
Matt Dallal in Living Room Theatre’s production of “Amor & Psyche” written and directed by Randolyn Zinn. 
Matt Dallal & Xingrong Chen in Living Room Theatre’s production of “Amor & Psyche” written and directed by Randolyn Zinn. 
Rehearsal for Living Room Theatre’s production of “Amor & Psyche” written and directed by Randolyn Zinn. 
Site of Living Room Theatre’s production of “Amor & Psyche” written and directed by Randolyn Zinn. 
Zinn utilizes the space particularly well, and props designed by Angus McCullough and Cinda Morse are creative and apt for the minimalist set. Cynthia Flynt’s costumes are inspired and plentiful, all of them absolutely beautiful and playfully expressive of their respective characters.
The production is staged in the unused swimming pool at the Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion in North Bennington, VT, which allows for an intriguing and unusual vantage point while furthering LRT’s mission of producing innovative performances that invite the audience to develop personal connections to the material.
Living Room Theatre’s production of “Amor & Psyche: A Mythological Comedy” runs through Sunday, Aug. 4. Tickets $40 at the door – cash, check or credit card. https://www.lrtvt.org/
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Writer, director and choreographer: Randolyn Zinn. Cast: Xingrong Chen, Michael Chinworth, Matt Dallal, Elizah Hill, Susannah MacLeod, Allen McCullough, Valeri Mudek, Nichole Starrett, Afton Paige Welch. Costume designer: Cynthia Flynt. Assistant costume designer: Randolyn Zinn. Stage manager: Elizabeth Kenney. Special props: Angus McCullough, Cinda Morse. Sound/music facilitator: Michael Chinworth. Dresser: Daisy Billington.