Berkshire on Stage

Prepare to be immersed into a world that is fantastical – sensual, humorous, captivating. The current offering at the Berkshire Theatre Group’s Unicorn Theatre, METAMORPHOSES, is all that and more. The play is an imaginative re-telling of a dozen or so stories from the Roman poet Ovid’s monumental work, as devised by playwright Mary Zimmerman. How marvelous to see director Isadora Wolfe take on the challenge of a work that profoundly speaks to our time and world situation.

The word “metamorphosis” means “change” and the Greek myths are awash in changes of fortune, form, and perspective. Wolfe draws a parallel to our times in her director’s notes, observing that Zimmerman’s production of METAMORPHOSES was in rehearsal when 911 rent the world asunder. Ovid’s world was also, in Wolfe’s words, written “during a period that lay in the fault lines of civilizations.” And here we are again. But in this moment, Wolfe sees beyond fear: “There is a profound hope in knowing that change is certain… And we are not helpless. The answer that Zimmerman offers us is simple. It is through love.” It is a welcome message for our time.

The special world for METAMORPHOSES is immediately evident as you walk into the intimate Unicorn Theatre. There is a large (heated) pool of water (5 x 10 feet and 3 feet deep) center stage. Low steps surround it and a trio of arches upstage pierce a brick wall. Beyond there is a backdrop that can change color to reflect the sea, the heavens, rage, or darkness. This ingenious scenic design by Jason Simms is enhanced by Matthew E. Adelson’s amazing lighting design: the niches in the wall hold magical candles that add to the mystery and an ephemeral glow arises from the pool. And throughout the production, the technical elements create and re-create many locations and atmospheres.

Wolfe is exceptionally adept in the art of storytelling. With a background in immersive theatre (such as the NYC production of Sleep No More) as well dance and choreography, METAMORPHOSES is a work that she was meant to direct. In a wonderfully entertaining ninety minutes, Wolfe uses stunning images, a rich soundscape, that evocative space and lighting, and of course her talented ensemble of actors, to remind us of what it means to be human (or a god for that matter.) Many of the images are unforgettable – the glowing pool filled with lifeless bodies at the outset before they crawl out on the earth at the beginning of the world – two lovers who die and turn into birds – the unforgiving, insatiable suffering of hunger – a boat tossed and wrecked in a dangerous sea.

Zimmerman’s text combines English translations of Ovid’s poetry and the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke. The language is at times lofty, elegant and highly intellectual. But much of it is everyday vernacular reflecting the variety of characters, from gods and goddesses to gardeners, housemaids, children, poor and rich, young and old. The majority of the cast exhibit exceptionally fine diction and vocal technique, making the poetic and the conversational text a joy to hear.

Every actor has a moment to shine and all of them work seamlessly together as an ensemble, each playing multiple parts to tell the ever-changing story. David Adkins brings hilarity as the drunken Silenus – looking here like an escapee from Margaritaville. He also plumbs the depth of pain and remorse as Cinyras, a king of Cyprus who unknowingly enters an incestuous union with his daughter, Myrrha. Fedra Ramirez-Olivares gives us a Myrrha who is a profoundly touching.

In addition to Ramirez-Olivares, the other female cast members are all gifted storytellers. Stephanie Jean Lane sustains a compelling stage presence. She perfectly captures the pathos of Alcyone, the young wife whose husband, Ceyx, is drowned at sea, and she imbues the Woman by the Water with grace.  June Carryl also brings gravitas and dignity to her roles and is especially affecting as Baucis in the story of Baucis and Philemon, a poor couple who provide hospitality to the gods and are granted their wish to die together. Kelli Simpkins offers a number of stellar performances including the despicable Erysichthon, and an amusing psychotherapist spouting Freudian psychobabble. Evelyn Chen is a New York based dancer whose sensual physicality adds a whole other dimension to METAMORPHOSES. Creating the storm that kills Alcyone’s husband, tying herself in knots to embody the incessant craving of Erysichthon’s hunger, Chen splendidly takes the storytelling to a visceral level. Perhaps her most affective role is the ill-fated Eurydice, who Orpheus tries to bring back from the underworld.  

The male actors are as impressive as the female actors. In addition to Adkins, we have Gregg Edelman who turns in several robust portrayals. His King Midas, who in Zimmerman’s play is not unlike a modern techno-billionaire – totally in the thrall of greed. This character begins the cycle of stories and returns at the end to provide reconciliation and a sense of peace. John Williams Watkins plays Ceyx, Morpheus, and Vertumnus. As Vertumnus he delights us with an array of disguises to win the attention of the nymph Pomona. Paul Deo fully embodies the heroic Orpheus as well as the god of love, Eros. Tim Liu completes the cast in a hilarious modern-day interpretation of Phaeton, the son of Apollo, the sun god. Floating in the water on a plastic pool float, Liu’s Phaeton comes off as spoiled frat brat who forces Apollo to “give me the keys to your car” – an invitation to disaster of course. And Gregg Edelman’s Apollo is whacky and wonderful too.

Wolfe must be congratulated for pulling together this remarkable ensemble and challenging them to draw on every skill to collectively tell old stories that seem so relative and timely. And the actors must be celebrated for the immense energy and agility they demonstrate sitting, standing, swimming, and immersing themselves in water throughout the ninety minutes. Kudos to costume designer Amanda Roberge, whose designs bridge the centuries. Not every choice works, but a lot of it does, and it could not have been easy. My compliments to the wardrobe and set crew too.

METAMORPHOSES is rich, delightful theatre that explores love, pain, regret, and redemption and so many more human conditions. Wolfe has brought us the kind of theatre that dwells in the mind’s eye and will not quickly dissipate. The feelings of love and reconciliation that conclude the play  a gift to enjoy for a long, long while.

Artistic Company

Playwright: Mary Zimmerman

Director: Isadora Wolfe

Scenic Design: Jason Simms

Costume Designer: Amanda Roberge

Lighting Designer: Matthew E. Adelson

Composer/Sound Designer: Scott Killian

Intimacy Coordinator: Evek (Vik) Abbot-Main

Cast

Silenus, Cinyras & Others: David Adkins

Aphrodite, Baucis & Others: June Carryl

Eurydice, Psyche & Others: Evelyn Chen

Orpheus & Others: Paul Deo Jr.

Midas, Narrator I (Erysichthon & Beginning of Orpheus & Eurydice), Apollo, A & Others: Gregg Edelman

Woman by the Water, Alcyone, Q & Others: Stephanie Jean Lane

Phaeton: Tim Liu

Myrrha & Others: Fedra Ramirez-Olivares

Scientist, Erysichthon, Therapist & Others: Kelli Simpkins

Ceyx, Morpheus, Vertumnus & Others: John William Watkins

Swing: Sean Wiberg

Information

METAMORPHOSES runs September 25 through October 26, 2025. 

For tickets phone 413-997-4444.

Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission

The Unicorn Theatre, Berkshire Theatre Group, 6 East St., Stockbridge, MA 01262

Closing date: October 26

Website: www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org