Show Entertains With Playful Take On Greek Mythology

Get ready to laugh out loud as Greenwood Little Theatre brings all of Greek mythology to life in its first production of the 2023-24 season.

Directed by Erin Jacobs Stagner, “The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All Of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less!” moves at the speed of Zeus’ thunderbolt as her cast of eight provides an entertaining about 1½-hour performance of fun — and some learning, too!

The cast brightly shines in this witty production, which highlights just about every major player in Grecian myths, such as Hades, Persephone, Poseidon, Zeus, Aphrodite, Ares, Hera, Hermes and more. 

Starring in the show are Glenn Nail, Franklin Riley, Wade Johnson, Susie Johnson, Lydia Jacobs-Stagner, J.T. Hurst, Emma Hodges and Tracie Agnew.

With more than 50 characters to portray by a cast of eight, each of these talented actors gives flawless performances.

Adding modern-day commentary to the Greek myths, the show kicks off with an introduction to many of the characters — with some who will reappear throughout the play — followed by “the creation of man.”

The hilarious retellings of Homer’s epics — “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” — include standout performances.

The eight cast members have multiple roles throughout, but the scenes move seamlessly, highlighted by the cast’s perfect comedic timing. 

“The Iliad” covers all 24 books, and “The Odyssey” picks up right after the Trojan War. 

To break up Homer’s most famous works, there’s a scene where some of Greek mythology’s tragic love stories are turned into a TV dating show and then another scene where well-known characters such as Hercules compete in a talent show similar to “American Idol.”

Viewers can expect a fun, whirlwind experience featuring a contemporary, comedic interpretation of Greek mythology. 

There’s slapstick comedy as well as a touch of dark humor since several of these Greek myths are considered to be in the literary genre of tragedy.

While Greek mythology enthusiasts are guaranteed to enjoy this show, it’s not only for fans.

The characters are presented in an easy and understandable way and the humor and fast pace make it a show for everyone who enjoys an entertaining time at the theater. 

Portraying many roles means each of the eight cast members also took on a multitude of lines, and each deserves a round of applause for pulling off this challenge effortlessly. 

The end result of their hard work is an entertaining production that is a joy to watch.

Performances of “The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less!” will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at Davis Auditorium. 

Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for students and is free for GLT members.

The show may not be appropriate for audiences under the age of 14 because of mild language and some sexual innuendos. Parental discretion is advised.

For more information or to purchase tickets, send an email to ticketing@greenwoodlittletheatre.com, call 662-219-3822 or visit greenwoodlittletheatre.com.

- Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.