He bamboozled a vicious Cyclops out of death, thwarted a transcendent beauty’s plan to turn his crew to swine, maneuvered his ship through tumultuous waters, and returned home to the island of Ithaca, where his wife and son wait sanguinely. The legendary Odysseus challenges every catastrophe in South Carroll High School’s production of “The Odyssey”.

“The Odyssey,” the epic famously written by the Greek poet Homer, reveals the harrowing travels of Odysseus and his crew, relaying their encounters with the mystical Circe, promiscuous Calypso, and enthralling sirens on their journey from Troy to Ithaca, where Odysseus reigns as king. Throughout Odysseus’ quest, he receives succor from the sage goddess Athena while enduring the fiery (and often watery) wrath of Poseidon, god of the sea. Adapted for the stage by Thomas Hischak, this classic work of literature incorporates humor and accessibility, fitting for a high school production.

An outstanding element of this production was the original music composition and orchestration by Kristin Hamby. Adding immensely to the production with works reminiscent of celestial beings and heavenly Ancient Greek harp music as well as rumbling, grave tones to signify violence and war, the orchestration vivified the plot and sets expertly. A second notable mention resides with the eight foot tall puppet, manipulated by a group of performers and devised to animate the horrendous Cyclops that terrorizes Odysseus and his crew. This unexpected element had an uproarious effect on the audience; members guffawed throughout the entire scene in which the puppet was used.

The plot of this production is anchored by several distinct characters, enlivened remarkably by the actors playing them. William Babin (Odysseus) portrayed a valiant champion, commanding each scene with authority and fortitude. His expressions softened as the character, humbled by the astute teachings of Athena (Marissa Mowers), gained a newfound essence of humility, adding depth and dimension to the one-sided heroic archetype. Marissa Mowers loomed above the stage on a raised platform and delivered her lines with a resplendent opulence, thoroughly capturing the immaculate beacon that is Athena. Federico Alvarado (A Stranger) brought forth a reserved yet benevolent elderly newcomer with an enigmatic presence, a commendable addition to the production.

The lighting featured in this show was sensational. Designed by Katie Dyson, the lights shifted color and placement often, encompassing the audience in a whirlwind of placid waters and bizarre islands, concealed havens and lavish royal resting quarters.

Sailing through treacherous waters, combating ruthless monsters, encountering mesmerizing goddesses, and engaging in a battle of strength and wit to win the hand of the dazzling queen Penelope, the cast and crew of South Carroll High School embarked on an expedition that struck a balance between comical, gripping and enjoyable in “The Odyssey.”

by Devon Burke of Annapolis