UT puts a contemporary spin on 'King Oedipus'

Creon (Timothy Fox), back, addresses Oedipus (William Toth) as they rehearse the play "King Oedipus" at the University of Toledo's Center for Performing Arts. THE BLADE/LORI KING Enlarge | Photo Reprints

Steam-punk fashion and spelunking-inspired visuals combine in a contemporary interpretation of W. B. Yeats translation of Sophocles' King Oedipus opening this weekend at the University of Toledo.

The costume style, designed by UT senior student Lynette Bates, is a fashion trend related to punk rock and the goth movement that blends a mechanical appearance with Edwardian or Victorian style, explained director Edmund Lingan, UT assistant professor of theater.

Detroit urban spelunking, where people illegally enter abandoned buildings to photograph architectural features that often bring to focus urban decay, inspired the art for this Greek tragedy.

"The urban decay matches the play because the play starts with decay, famine, and death because of this horrible secret," the director said.

This classic is the story of Oedipus played by William Toth who unwittingly fulfills an oracle's prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother.

Juan Rodriguez as Tiresias, front, and William Toth as Oedipus, back, rehearse a scene from "King Oedipus." THE BLADE/LORI KING Enlarge | Photo Reprints

The cast includes Ashley Stephens as Jocasta, Oedipus' wife; Timothy Fox as Creon, Jocasta's brother; Juan Rodriguez as Tiresias, the prophet; and Angelica Gabara and Jude Cohen Lingan as Oepdipus' children.

Lingan brought in Jessica Bonenfant, a New York choreographer, to create dramatic, stylized movement for the six-member chorus.

The opening night audience is invited to stay after the play ends and ask questions of the actors, director, and designers.

"King Oedipus" performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Wednesday at the University of Toledo Center for Performing Arts Center Theatre, 2801 W. Bancroft St. Additional performances are at 2 p.m. Sunday and Feb. 26 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23-25. Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for faculty, staff, alumni, and seniors, and $7 for students. Information: 419- 530-2375 or utoledo.edu/BoxOffice.

Dog Trouble

MaryAnn Mead is on two legs and all fours as she portrays the title role in the A.R. Gurney comedy Sylvia, being presented this weekend and next by Oregon Community Theatre.

Sylvia, the dog, is a role easily translated by a human and believable by the audience, said director Reed Steele.

"People have a tendency to have dogs as part of their family. My dog was really special to me. You could almost understand what he was saying by how he looked at me. The pet seems to understand the [humans]," he said.

Kevin Harrington and Dawn Yard as Greg and Kate are re-adjusting to life as empty-nesters when Sylvia joins the family. Kate is jealous of her husband's affection for this Labrador/poodle mix. Their marriage is jeopardized and comedy ensues as Sylvia warms her way into the family with the help of Jeff Smith, who plays multiple roles including Kate's friend, a marriage counselor, and Sylvia's advocate.

Audiences are asked to bring a can or bag of pet food to the performances to be donated to the Toledo Area Humane Society.

Note: The adult-themed content is not appropriate for children.

"Sylvia" performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Feb. 25 with a 3 p.m. Sunday matinee in Fassett Auditorium, 3025 Starr Ave., Oregon. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Information: 419-691-1398 or www.oregoncommunitytheatre.org.

Arabian Nights

Bowling Green State University will christen the Eva Marie Saint Theatre of the Wolfe Center for the Arts this weekend when it opens Mary Zimmerman's The Arabian Nights.

Scheherazade spends 1,001 nights telling her husband, King Shahryar, stories of love and justice, stopping just before dawn and keeping him from killing his new brides in this classic story celebrating the art of storytelling.

"The Arabian Nights" will be presented at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through Feb. 25 and 2 p.m. Sunday and Feb.26 at Bowling Green State University's Eva Marie Saint Theatre in the Wolfe Center for the Arts, Bowling Green. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for seniors and students. There is a $3 surcharge for tickets purchased the day of the show. Information: 419-372-2719.

Theater items should be sent to jnjaim@theblade.com at least two weeks ahead of the event.