Behind the Curtain: A Review & An Insider Look at The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza

Insider Perspective (Chloe Quach, Actor: Rhea, Pollux, Eurydice, Greek) 

Setting the Stage: Recruiting, auditioning and reading through the script for the play was nerve-wracking and initially intense, with many students trying out for roles in the play or the upcoming musical. This production is the first I’ve ever participated in, so I was nervous to see if I would qualify for a role. A few days of auditions passed and a couple days later I received an email detailing that I had made it into the cast, and I couldn’t help but feel excited for the upcoming rehearsals. The next stage involved blocking, where the directors’ vision would come to life. As we approached immersion and final dress rehearsals, costume fittings, costume changes, and memorizing lines and actions came easily thanks to hours of practice and hard work. With immersion wrapped up, we were finally prepared to perform on stage in front of an audience. 

Rehearsals weren’t complete without the costume designers, tech and backstage crew. Costume designers worked on elegant, Greek-style sashes, capes, togas, and dresses for the actors and actresses and diligently tailored them to fit. The tech and backstage crew helped to organize lighting and sound cues to highlight the presence of the actors and aided with quick clothing changes and prop delivery, like Pandora’s box and Zeus’ lighting bolt.

Some of my favourite moments occurred during rehearsal, but one moment that stood out to me in the play performance itself was when Helen (Kingston Casey) - the wife of Menelaus (Dan Hu), king of the Greeks - enters in a wig to greet Paris (Sydney Charlton). It always makes me laugh, even after many rehearsals spent working out the logistics of the scene.  Of course, I also enjoy acting as the stoic, nonchalant future wife of Orpheus (Kingston Casey), Eurydice, who dies to descend into the underworld where Orpheus travels to bring Eurydice back into the land of the living. 

Overall, the Greek Mythology Olympiaganza process has been a labour of love and laughter, and I highly recommend new and experienced prospective actors alike to audition, as it is truly an unforgettable and community-building experience. 

Play Review (Defne Erisir)

The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza is an amusing play written by Don Zolidis and played by Ridley College high school students. Due to the complexity of Greek Mythology, it raises questions about the play’s execution because it is a high school play. To my surprise, this play had been a very memorable one for me. As someone who doesn’t enjoy theatre as much, this play was absolutely hilarious! Throughout the entirety of the play, I was very much entertained and chuckling the entire time. Not only me but also the audience that was sitting in front of me was giggling too. The play managed to capture the odd and confusing events of Greek Mythology and portray them well in an understanding way with a sense of humour. The lighthearted jokes and the modernization of the Greek gods were a hit with the audience, especially the boy bands. The choreography of the dances was incredible and the whole cast was in sync. The play looked very professional and humorous. Not to mention the amazing costumes and makeup, it was very impressive. Also fast the costume changes happened remarkably. Overall, it was a great play and the cast was amazing on stage, it looked like a play straight from Broadway.