The Old Globe's ODYSSEY to Feature a Cast of 200

Executive Producer Lou Spisto today announced the San Diego Community Partners with which director Lear deBessonet and writer Todd Almond have developed a new music theater event, Odyssey, in celebration of The Old Globe's 75th anniversary. Commissioned by the Globe, the new work reimagines Homer's epic poem as seen through the lens of contemporary San Diego. Conceived and directed by deBessonet with music, lyrics and book by Almond, Odyssey will be performed through a unique collaboration between professional artists and members of the community. Odyssey will be presented on Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Globe's Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.

Featuring a cast of over 200 performers, Odyssey chronicles the trials and adventures that the ancient Greek hero Odysseus faces on his long journey home from the war at Troy. Along the way, he encounters a one-eyed giant, confronts the horrifying monsters Scylla and Charybdis, visits the Underworld and resists the intoxicating Circe. Odysseus finally returns home disguised as a beggar and must win back his wife, Penelope, and take revenge on the suitors who have been circling her in his absence.

"Lear and Todd's retelling of this iconic story on such a grand scale is the perfect way to celebrate the Globe's 75th anniversary and its contributions to our San Diego community," said Spisto. "I am delighted that our partners in Southeastern San Diego and so many people from the community at large are taking part in our theatrical celebration."

"Todd Almond and I were excited about featuring people and groups who can only be found in San Diego as characters from the classic Odyssey story," said deBessonet. "When we heard the St. Stephen's Church Choir sing, we thought ‘Well, who better to be the voice of heaven?' Culture Shock Dance San Diego will play the Phaecians, the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory will score a dream ballet of Odysseus' homecoming, the Valhalla High School Percussion Ensemble will play the Palace Guard and the children from San Diego Junior Theatre will play the Voices of the Underworld."

Odyssey is part of the Globe's Southeastern San Diego Residency Project supported by a grant from the James Irvine Foundation's Artistic Innovation Fund.

Professional actors Alvin Crawford and Shelley Thomas will star as Odysseus and Penelope/Circe, respectively, along with Todd Almond as The Singer.

The creative team includes Tony and Maria Caligagan (Choreographers), Justin Townsend (Scenic and Lighting Design), Paul Carey (Costume Design), Paul Peterson (Sound Design) and Evangeline Whitlock (Stage Manager).

The nonprofessional cast, comprised of members of the San Diego community, includes Darlene Davies (Eurynome), Kim Duclo (Penelope's First Suitor), Michael Garcia (Prince), Dylan Hoffinger (Odysseus' Captain), Martin Martiarena (Dude with Guitar), Lorenzo Martinez (Elpenor), Alex Monge (Telemachus), Davina Van Dusen (Nausicaa), Victoria Matthews, Jordon Scowcroft and Katie Ward (The Calliopes) and dancers from Salsa Inferno (Circe's Ladies) with Diana Bahena, Anay Barajas, Jessica Brandon, Dalaysia Cannon, Ashley Dixon, Richard Dobbs, Deja Fields, Renee Gandola, Zyanya Hernandez-Grant, Carson McCalley, Karen Olinga, Al Simmons, Hannah Trujillo, Katherine Zamora and Ayerton Zoutendijk (Ithacans/Ensemble); Kenn Burnett, Leland Campbell, Eduard Cao, Andre A. Carter, Will Herrera, Dylan Hoffinger, Lorenzo Martinez, Leo Roman, Elliott Sephus, Lamine Thiam and dancers from Salsa Inferno (Odysseus' Men); Karen Bahena, Lina Bien, Katleen Dugas, Paola Kubelis and Stephanie Plascencia (Penelope's Women); and Donna Blochwitz, Jane Klofkorn, Yvonne Lindroth Silva and Amara Marsden (Sirens).

Odyssey will also feature performances by the following five Community Partner Groups, who have been woven into the narrative of the show:

Culture Shock San Diego (The Phaecians) - Culture Shock San Diego is a not-for-profit hip-hop dance troupe dedicated to innovative performance, artist development and community enrichment. www.cultureshockdance.org/sandiego

San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory (The Dream Ballet) - San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory instills excellence in the musical and personal development of students through rigorous and inspiring musical training experiences, enriching the community through programs and collaborations that increase access to and appreciation of classical music. www.sdys.org

San Diego Junior Theatre (Voices of the Underworld) - The San Diego Junior Theatre provides engaging, innovative, high-quality theatre education and productions for children of all cultural heritages, ages, abilities and levels of interest. www.juniortheatre.com

St. Stephen's Church Choir (Athena) - The St. Stephen's Church Choir performs at St. Stephen's Cathedral in San Diego. www.ststephenscogic.org

Valhalla High School Percussion Ensemble (Palace Guard) - The Valhalla High School Percussion Ensemble performs with the school's Concert and Symphonic Bands as well as the Marching Band and in percussion ensembles and solos throughout the school year. www.vhsmusic.org/home

The following Community Partners played host to the scores of San Diegans who came to audition for Odyssey:

Harbor Church - Harbor Church is located in mid-city San Diego and bridges cultures through understanding. www.harbormidcity.org

The Jackie Robinson Family YMCA - The Jackie Robinson Family YMCA works to offer a critical foundation to young people through sports and character development. www.jackierobinson.ymca.org

Globe Guilders - The Globe Guilders provides funds towards The Old Globe's artistic and education programs, promotes membership in the theatre and encourages service in the volunteer activities essential to the operation and growth of the Globe. www.globeguilders.org

San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts - The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts is the San Diego Unified School District's premier college-prep arts-focused school for students in grades 6 through 12. www.sandi.net/scpa

UrbanLife - UrbanLife is an organization dedicated to serving middle, high and college students in San Diego. www.urbanlifesd.org

 

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