Westford Actor onstage in CT Repertory Theatre’s "Eurydice"

STORRS. Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) will stage Sarah Ruhl’s “Eurydice” to open its Studio Works Series for the 2016-2017 season. UConn Associate Professor Helene Kvale will direct. Westford, MA native and graduate of Westford Academy, Zack Dictakis plays Orpheus. Performances will be held in the Studio Theatre from March 23rd through April 2, 2017. For tickets and information, please visit crt.uconn.edu or call (860) 486-2113.

Zack Dictakis is a junior in the UCONN BFA Acting program. As a student in the department, he receives conservatory style training that prepares young actors for careers in film, television and theatre. Students take classes in voice, movement, acting, and camera work. Dictakis’s CRT credits include: “Spamalot” (Denis’ Mother), and “The Laramie Project” (Aaron Kreifels).

Dictakis says, “I first read ‘Eurydice’ back in high school and was immediately drawn in with the simple yet emotionally charged language. This character and play have been a big challenge for me as Orpheus and I are very similar but the poetic nature of the world of Sarah Ruhl's ‘Eurydice’ is so much larger than myself.

Working with Helene has been rewarding every step of the way. She guided us through the process one step at a time without ever taking the characters out of our hands. I am extremely excited to share our work.”

In “Eurydice”, a fresh look at one of the greatest love stories of all time, playwright Sarah Ruhl re-imagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. Eurydice and her musician-lover, Orpheus, are a happy modern couple. On their wedding day, Eurydice is enticed by a letter from her deceased father, only to find herself reunited with him in the underworld. As Orpheus tries to rescue her, Eurydice must re-learn human language in order to remember all she left behind and, ultimately, choose between two worlds in this whimsical and breathtaking story of the power and fragility of love.

Director Helene Kvale says, “Our production is an elegy – a poetic symphony of love, loss and memory with a whimsical nod to Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” According to Chinese legend, a red thread of fate binds two people who are destined to be together. So it is in “Eurydice.” We explore the fragile connection of young love in this humorous and profound adaptation of the classic myth.”

Helene Kvale directed CRT’s recent productions of “Big Love” and “Pride and Prejudice.” She is the Founding Artistic Director of Bated Breath Theatre Company where she directed “A Doll’s House”, “The Parkville Project” and “Hunger.” She recently wrote the film Burning Blue, released by Lionsgate. Prior to becoming a director, she spent many years as an actor including at the National Theatre, performing in “King Lear” and “Richard III” among others.

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM

The design team includes: Helene Kvale (Director), Katherine Paik (Scenic Design), Danielle Verkennes (Lighting Design), Jelena Antanasijevic (Costume Design), Pornchanok Kanchanabanca (Original Music and Sound Design), and Jason Swift (Stage Manager).

The cast includes BFA Actors: Coleman Churchill, Kent Coleman, Zack Dictakis, Vivienne James, Sarah Elizabeth Jensen, Jennifer Sapozhnikov, and Kristen Wolfe.

PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION

Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Select matinee performances start at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Single tickets are available now. Single tickets range from $7 to $36. All student tickets are only $7.

Children must be at least 4 years old to attend CRT productions. For additional ticket information or to charge tickets by phone, call 860.486.2113. All sales are final; no refunds. Play selections and performance dates are subject to change.

Please call the box office at 860.486.2113 for tickets and additional information or visit www.crt.uconn.edu for specific show dates and times because performance schedules vary and are subject to change.

The Studio Theatre is located on the campus of the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT.