Del Norte High School puts comedic spin on Greek mythology

Whether you are well-versed in Greek mythology or a newcomer to the subject, Del Norte High’s fall play will provide all audience members with a humorous take on the gods, their allies and foes within 99 minutes.

“Illiad, Odyssey and all of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less” will be presented at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 and 16 plus Saturday, Oct. 10 and 17 in the Del Norte High School Performing Arts Center, 16601 Nighthawk Lane in 4S Ranch.

Tickets, sold at the door, will be $10 for adults and $7 for students/children.

According to Director Stephanie DeYoung, the 33-member cast will speed through all of Greek mythology with a ticking clock visible so the audience can see if they really present the show within their 99-minute goal.

“It’s fun, funny and presented in an updated format that makes it easy to understand,” DeYoung said. “Silly decisions, goofy characters and hysterical situations abound.”

She said there will be a minimalistic set so the various stories can be presented quickly. To help the audience keep the characters straight — a task complicated by the fact that cast members play multiple roles — there will be a heavy reliance on props and costumes.

The full-length play was originally written for three male and two female actors playing numerous roles each. DeYoung said she decided to split the 157 characters among 33 actors so more Del Norte students could have an opportunity to be in the fall play. “We have great talent here,” she said.

DeYoung said she picked this play for a few reasons.

“I was looking for something minimalistic in nature ... (since we’ll do) a winter musical,” she said. “I also wanted a funny start for the year ... and wanted something relevant (to students).”

DeYoung said many of the cast members studied Greek mythology in eighth grade or high school. Because it is part of the curriculum, she added the play is a good introduction to the myths for students as young as 10.

“They get a lighthearted, quick glance,” she said. “There are silly sight gags and sound effects, lots of props ... and slap stick comedy.”

In most cases each story will be presented with a two or three line synopsis followed by one scene.

Senior Tri Le, whose primary role is Zeus, said Zeus is the king of the gods, arrogant and flirtatious. His biggest challenge is the scene with Prometheus because he has to get really angry within a comical format.

Junior Ariel Crabbe plays Hera, wife of Zeus. “(Hera) is really jealous ... spiteful and loyally defends the Greeks,” she said. “The challenge is seeming scary, because she is stern and wrathful, while I’m a nice person.”

Senior Emma Dorn — whose roles include Athena, Thetis, Exploitatis and Odysseus’ mother — said she is challenged by the several personalities to portray. Athena is a serious, smart, very sarcastic and funny character. Exploitatis is the jokester while Odysseus’ mother has a mean side.

“There is so much to remember and I must get the timing right for the comedic scenes that move quickly,” Dorn said.

The cast members are Deema Alsaied, Makenna Barmettler, Jordan Carusa, Emma Carelli, Katie Chohan, Ariel Crabbe, Colin Daly, Jordan Dixon, Emma Dorn, Maddie Fink, Austin Gonzalez, Victoria Hua, Jacob Kinsman, Lindsey Kirkwood, Tri Le, Abbey Linton, Audrey Linton, Savanna Lloyd, Gage McDonald, Tyler McDonald, Nikki Moallemi, Bennie Mortensen, Sammy Nafez, Nick Ninkov, Sam Payne, Davide Pinto, Mujeeb Qadiri, Inas Rahnal, Andres Rosemund, Lauren Santos, Cassie Schafer, Elizabeth Soares and Victoria Wilson.

Other students involved with the play are Ella Moreno (student director), Brittany Hagopian (stage manger), Megan Castle (lights) and Parker Shyu (sound).