A Study In Love, Loss

Fort Smith Little Theatre presents ‘Eurydice’

Courtesy Photo Cory Wray and Meghan Partain star as Orpheus and Eurydice in the Fort Smith Little Theatre's production of "Eurydice."
Courtesy Photo Cory Wray and Meghan Partain star as Orpheus and Eurydice in the Fort Smith Little Theatre's production of "Eurydice."

Director Summer Robinson says the Fort Smith Little Theatre's production of Sarah Ruhl's "Eurydice" is "a show for everyone."

"I can guarantee you will be moved," says Robinson. After seeing it performed at a Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, she said, "I felt that everyone would be inspired by the beautiful story, no matter what's going on in their lives or the world today."

FAQ

‘Eurydice’

WHEN — 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday and again June 7-10; 2 p.m. Sunday

WHERE — Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 N. Sixth St.

COST — $12

INFO — 783-2966

The play opened Off-Broadway in 2008 and won multiple awards, including a Drama Desk Award. Ruhl's re-telling of the love story between Eurydice and Orpheus takes some liberties with the traditional myth and is a moody rumination on love, loss and memory.

"When I first saw 'Eurydice' performed, I was drawn to this incredible story of wonder and fantasy," says Robinson. "This show has all the aspects we love the most about theater -- it's filled with love, laughter, passion, drama and loss. [It] begins with the beautiful love story of our heroine Eurydice and her eternal love Orpheus. Before tragedy strikes on their wedding day, we get a glimpse that the love between Eurydice and Orpheus can move mountains. After arriving in the underworld, Eurydice meets her father, who teaches her to remember her life and her husband. The play then explores the beautiful relationship between a father and daughter and how even in death, you'll do anything to see your child happy."

Robinson says her talented cast is key to making "Eurydice" a strong show, and she is particularly excited that she is getting the opportunity to direct her mentor and former teacher, Bob Stevenson, a theater professor at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

"He brings a lot of depth to the role of the father, and I'm blown away every rehearsal," says Robinson. "I'm very lucky to work with Bob, because he mentored me for so many years and taught me the directing techniques I use to this day."

-- Lara Hightower

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NAN What's Up on 06/02/2017

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