Theatre News Wire

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Lookingglass Theatre Company presents Metamorphoses, based on the myths of Ovid from a translation by David Slavitt, and written and directed by Ensemble Member Mary Zimmerman. The revival production, coinciding with the 10th Anniversary of the Broadway production, runs September 19 - November 18, 2012 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. The Press Opening is Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

Fourteen years ago Lookingglass debuted Metamorphoses, a play of such grace and beauty that the memory of it still lingers in the minds of audiences today. The critically-acclaimed, record-breaking Chicago engagement led to a Broadway production that garnered Mary Zimmerman the 2002 Tony Award for Best Director and catapulted Lookingglass onto the national stage.

In the simple beauty of a rippling pool of water, Ensemble Member Mary Zimmerman conjured Ovid's myths into gorgeous imagery, provocative moments and breathtaking storytelling. Metamorphoses' long-anticipated Chicago revival will feature a number of Lookingglass Ensemble Members and original cast members.

"Metamorphoses is one of those rare productions that truly has it all: beauty, mystery, humor, pathos. The brilliance of Mary's work is that these ancient myths feel at once very contemporary and totally timeless, simultaneously rooted in the very specific individuals onstage and completely universal," says Artistic Director Andy White. "These are some of the reasons it was our longest-running hit in Chicago, then toured the country, and finally ran for a year on Broadway. This show had a profound impact on all of us - Lookingglass, Chicago, and even the country - when we first produced it, and we've had an ache to revisit it for a long time. We are so proud to bring it back to Chicago now, and to have it kick off our 25th Anniversary Season."

In February 2013, Lookingglass Theatre's production of Metamorphoses, will transfer to The Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. This will mark Zimmerman's first return to D.C. since her smash hit productions of The Arabian Nights and Candide.