GOOD REVIEWS for THYESTES' FEAST

The LA Weekly says: Writer-director Peter Wing Healey's very good tragedy, THYESTES' FEAST, jumps from burlesque to Expressionist to Shakespearean within a single scene, the eclecticism drawing attention to its crucial content. Costume designer Karolyn Kiisel's costumes are fabulous, particularly in her frocks for Healey who plays the two-timing Queen Aerope in larger-than-life drag. (Amy Nicholson)

"Mixing classic Greek tragedy with the reunifications of modern society makes for interesting and potent theater."  says Michael Christensen   October 29, 2009 for The Tolucan Times.  He goes on;

"What makes this production unique is Mr. Healey's use of both classic and modern elements.  There is use of vernacular and yet it serves a purpose, as it brings these ancient peoples to life.  It is a Spartan, almost course stage, but the ample creativity of Tanya Kovaleski's use of props gives it a vibrant significance.  Kudos to Karolyn Kiisel, whose costumes flourished by giving use of both subtlety and the grandiose.  The performances were constant; standouts were a charismatic Bridgette Trahan as the Sun and Nathalie Broizat as Calista.  Mr. Healey's performance of Queen Aerope was campy, sentimental and affecting.  The direction gave the performers plenty of breathing room to capture the intention of their character.

One cannot expect a happy ending with Greek tragedy.  It is however, a powerful reminder of the power of human foibles and the consequences of rage and revenge.... It is reassuring to know that our ancestors wrestled with the same demons and obstacles that present themselves today."

Then from Robert Machray, the King of Mean, who hates everything and has degrees in Classical Theater from Yale and USC we ACTUALLY got some praise.  Insiders tell us this amounts to a rave;

"If you're starting to imagine that what results is a mixture of classic and camp, you're on to something. Throw in elaborate costumes by Karolyn Kiisel, puppets by Tanya Kovaleski, musical strains of Ottorino Respighi and traditional Gagaku, and elaborate movement patterns, and you have Thyestes' Feast!  .....Persuasive performances – from Healey himself as the wronged wife Aerope, Bridgette Trahan from the New York City Ballet, Bruce Anderson, in drag, and Dean Hepker, trying his classical best as Staevinus, Captain of the Guard.  The speaking voices are surprisingly good.  The ultimate result (had) some parts, especially the play itself, rising above...on opening night."

From Jose Ruiz of ReviewPlays  we got a very positive notice;

"What makes this story palatable.. is the acting, which... gives room for the actors to delve into the inner depths of their characterizations and pull out some dandy performances.  "Michael Serrato gives us an indelible Atreus – consumed by lust for power, totally insecure and obfuscated by his incompetence and inability to rule his kingdom, yet unwilling to relinquish power for the good of the people.  In complementary contrast is the powerful performance by Robert Long as Thyestes...  Healey gives a strong and convincing performance as the domineering woman in Thyestes' life...The Sun..is perkily played by Bridgette Trahan.. The Secret Service agents played with wonderful tongue in cheek by Michael Griffith and Nathalie Briozat.  Nathalie also plays the beautiful Calista, object of Thyestes illicit love affair (and who can blame him!)... Even with the most modest of minimal props, the presentation has a certain quality that keeps one interested and often riveted to the story, but it's really the actors and their ability to mesh into their roles that makes the whole thing work."