By Lynn Venhaus
Funny and fast-paced, “The Clash of the Titans Live Parody” showcases an obliging cast goofing off as famous Greek mythology characters, from Zeus to the Kraken. This is not your high school literature teacher’s reference guide.

The good-natured production is full-throttle silliness, crafted by the Cherokee Street Theatre Company’s brain trust, and they have the skills and collaborative spirit of an improv troupe.

The performers focus on the absurdity while trying not to break character, but hey, it happens. Using the framework mainly of the 1981 film and not the 2010 remake, they lean into the cheesiest elements of the pseudo-prestige epic that starred Laurence Olivier as Zeus, a young and virile Harry Hamlin as Perseus. Ursula Andress had one line as Aphrodite. (The reboot starred Liam Neeson as Zeus and Sam Worthington as Perseus).

The short version is that Perseus must prove his worth to his daddy, foil his stepmom, complete heroic tests, and battle Medusa and the Kraken all to save the lovely Princess Andromeda from a terrible fate.

For those wanting to refresh their Greek Gods and Heroes backstory, Perseus, the favored son of the god Zeus, has not only angered the sea goddess Thetis, but also fallen in love with Princess Andromeda. She had been engaged to Thetis’ son, Calibos. As Perseus goes on one quest after another, people come to a watery demise or are stabbed, or involved in other mayhem.

The adventure movie’s claim to fame is that it was the last film produced by Ray Harryhausen, the legendary special effects creator who was known for stop-motion animation. His Kraken did not disappoint!

One of the pluses about the company moving to Westport Playhouse for the last leg of their run is that they benefit from its large LED screen and are able to show panoramic scenes from the film that help visualize this odyssey – especially when the Kraken is released.

When that happens, the cast takes a moment to splash audience members with water, which is like a few raindrops falling on your head.

Because this company often uses the same repertory of players, the ensemble is a cheerful tight-knit bunch who wrings every possible laugh from these epic characters.

Ronald Dean Strawbridge goes for the gusto as imposing Zeus, while Ryan Lawson-Maeske shows off his acrobatic moves as the swaggering Perseus. Fox Smith has fun as both Hera and Medusa, complete with a daffy snake headtopper.

Patience Davis exaggerates Thetis as only Dame Maggie Smith could and Payton Gillam adds merriment as the sweet love interest Princess Andromeda and a sultry Aphrodite.

Perhaps the most playful in this madcap romp is Joseph Garner, feisty as Calibos and frisky as Bubo, no action too broad.

Supporting players include Nancy Nigh as Athena and Cassiopeia, Rob McLemore as Ammon, Stan Davis as Poseidon and Thallo, and Chuck Brinkley as King Acrisius and Hades.

Even you don’t remember the gods’ playlist or saw either movie, it does not matter. This is just all in good fun, and a terrific escape to watch some skilled performers clown around.

Company founder Suki Peters directed with a light touch and adapted the film to the stage with jokes in mind.

The technical elements are all first-rate, with Joel Wilper’s lighting design and Ted Drury and Morgan Maul-Smith’s sound design enhancing the Westport Playhouse production. The choice of pop-rock hits add to the high spirits.

Video designer Dan Foster seamlessly integrated the film footage to expand our vistas, and it really adds a pleasant viewpoint.

Costume Coordinator Kayla Lindsay celebrated the ancient period, accessorizing many riffs on togas to emphasize the parody. Stan Davis’s props were one of the highlights, adding to the ‘anything goes’ spirit.

Performances take place through June 1 Upstairs at The Golden Record, 2720 Cherokee, and June 9 through 17 at the Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information: www.cherokeestreettheatercompany.com.

For June 16 and 17 performances, use promo code “kraken” to save $10 per ticket.  

Photo by Anastasiya Vasyuta and show poster by Stan Davis

By Lynn Venhau

The truth is out there, “The X Files” told us during 11 seasons on television. For believers of any paranormal or extra-terrestrial phenomena, some sort of proof helps build a convincing case. “Anomalous Experience” earnestly scratches the surface but is only a piece of an ever-evolving puzzle for truth-seekers.

Inspired by true events, Joe Hanrahan’s original play is a serious-minded drama taking a clinical approach as a public lecture by a psychiatrist who has endured ridicule about his studies into alien abductions and features two patients sharing their experiences.

The Midnight Company’s world premiere production opens its 25th season and runs at the .Zack May 5 – 21.

A key component of science fiction during the last half of the 20th century – the so-called ‘Atomic Age’ — has been stories centered on aliens, whether Unidentified Flying Objects, abductions, or exploratory visits from extra-terrestrials.

But now, with the government acknowledging UFOs and recent sightings of unknown aircraft by military pilots, which are being investigated (even if Area 51 folklore remains shrouded in mystery), tales this century are more accepted and not viewed as merely the rantings of kooks.

However, a heavy dose of skepticism exists about alien abductions. That’s the focus of actor-playwright Hanrahan, who based his character on a real professor who forged ahead in his research despite the nay-sayers.

Joe Hanrahan. Photo by Joey Rumpell

Hanrahan won a St. Louis Theater Circle Award in March for his original play “Tinsel Town,” which is three showbiz vignettes taking place over a 24-hour period in Los Angeles, presented in 2021, and was nominated for his nostalgic one-man show “Now Playing Third Base for the St. Louis Cardinals…Bond…James Bond.”  This is a different direction, and he has meticulously researched the subject to present it in a matter of fact, not preachy or fearful, way.

The sobering material touches on such familiar cases as Roswell, N.M., and goes back to ancient times (Chariots of the Gods) through production designer Kevin Bowman’s impressive slide show.

Given Midnight’s penchant for small character studies, the show is simply yet effectively staged, with Kevin Bowman’s minimal set.

Director Morgan Maul-Smith strips it down to maintain an air of gravitas through the actors – Hanrahan as James Collins and Joseph Garner and Payton Gillam as the two patients Scott and Virginia who believe they were abducted by aliens.

Anxious and apprehensive about their reception, but steadfast in their beliefs that something profound happened to them, Virginia and Scott share their harrowing experiences and re-enact hypnotic regression in a natural progression. 

Photo by Joey Rumpell

Both performers are engaging in conversations with Hanrahan, and Garner looks directly at the audience with his compelling experience. He is particularly haunting in his graphic descriptions of a breeding incident, and his struggles to cope with what has taken place. Gillam is effective in her recount of how her life changed, including her marriage.

That eerie uncertainty is carried through Ellie Schwetye’s masterful sound design and Tony Anselmo’s lighting design.

After their recount, it’s anti-climactic when the 80-minute play ends, because we don’t go farther in their lives. It would be interesting to see how their lives changed in the years since their encounters, if they felt they were being observed or studied.

This uncommon tale benefits from the strong actors, but the play is more sensible than sensational – just in case you were looking for escalating melodrama and shifting behaviors. As we’ve become accustomed to in fictional narratives on aliens, this is just the beginning.

“Anomalous Experience” is a thought-provoking look into unexplained abnormal events that make for a modern ghost story, although light on thrills and chills.

Photo by Joey Rumpell

The Midnight Company presents “Anomalous Experience” May 5 – 21, with performances Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., although the final show is Saturday, May 21 at 8 p.m., at the .Zack, 3224 Locust in the Grand Center Arts District of St. Louis. For tickets, visit www.metrotix.com. For more information, visit www.midnightcompany.com

The .Zack is a Kranzberg Arts Foundation space. Follow the COVID-19 guidelines currently in place. Masks are currently optional for patrons.