Circe and Cyclops in Milwaukee

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Courtesy of Off the Wall

Claudio Parrone Jr. as Odysseus

Off the Wall Theatre Artistic Director Dale Gutzman and classics scholar John Angelos have created a new stage version of Homer’s Odyssey that incorporates film, special effects, giant balloons, hundreds of yards of twine, Kabuki Theater, Middle Eastern dance and more. Gutzman explains that he and Angelos “condensed, reshaped, re-positioned and re-emphasized the work to make it a true stage version, not just a fanciful retelling of the story.” The heart of this adaptation explores the ideas of what makes a hero, if it’s possible for a warrior to ever become just a “man” again and the struggle of a dysfunctional family trying to come back together in the face of adversity. The production, directed by Gutzman, promises an “inventive soundscape” fashioned along with Patrick McCann and David Roper that mixes classical, ethnic and pop music. “With an epic show that moves back and forth through 20 years of time, we need something to link it together and the music helps to do this,” says Gutzman. “I often use music in my shows as a film uses a soundtrack. I think it brings the audience into the drama.”

Audiences can look forward to seeing a huge fight where Odysseus, played by Claudio Parrone Jr., battles 120 suitors; Derek Lobacz as the Cyclops; a gigantic wind storm onstage; the sacking of an enemy city in slow motion; and Jacqueline Roush as Circe turning men into pigs.

“The Odyssey continues to be relevant,” says Gutzman. “Films and books are created each year that deal with man’s inner and outer journey. Hopefully we can learn and grow as humans while we share this entertaining show.”

Gutzman and Angelos’ Odyssey runs April 1-12 at Off the Wall Theatre, 127 E. Wells St. For tickets and more information, call 414-484-8874 or visit offthewalltheatre.com.