DECEMBER 2008
“Cupid & Psyche” strikes a chord
By: Desiree Morris
The lights dimmed as the seemingly hibernating characters on the set sprang to life upon their cues.
Joseph Fisher’s “Cupid & Psyche” tells the story of an individual’s ability to accept love, despite its
uncertainty.
Aphrodite (Molly Mulcrone) attempts to win back her followers from Psyche, the world’s most
beautiful woman (Liz Antonucci). The tension grows when Apollo (Tim Wambach) calls Aphrodite on
his cell phone to inform her that her son Cupid, (Jake Alexander) fell in love with Psyche, instead of
following his mother’s wishes to murder her.
The cast appeared to successfully transform into their characters. One moment in particular really
drew me into the story. When the flamboyant and sassy Aphrodite drops a glass from her hand,
sending shards in every direction it was quite unexpected. To me, this was a turning point as I began
to see the actors as the actual characters rather than simply performers. I felt for the goddess’
servant, Runt (Patrick Riley), as he fell to his knees to sweep up the remaining pieces and the story
held me ever since.
My eyes danced, following the vivid action of the production. Although the stage was small, it was
very well utilized. “It is so much fun to perform in a small space like Studio One, because the
audience is almost apart of the show,” Antonucci said later.
The lighting was unconventional but effective. Director Tony Churchill explained that it was his
intention to incorporate new methods into the play. During the opening, a spotlight leads Cupid to
the center stage where he finds his infamous bow.
The actors appeared to make great strides since the OCCurrence last visited them during rehearsal.
“I think the show went really well,” said Antonucci. “The last time we spoke, the show was in the
process of coming together and I think by the time you saw the show, it had grown leaps and
bounds.”
The show was enjoyable, and apparently, I wasn’t the only one who thoughts so. According to Denis
Berkson, Chair of Performing Arts, it was “the first Studio One show to sell out completely every night for
the first time in three years.”
Everyone seemed to have enjoyed working together. “I would have to say that acting in this show
was definitely a team effort,” said Wambach. “Everyone showed up and played full out. At the end
of the day, I think that is all you can ask for.”
Many of the actors accredited Churchill as inspiration for a successful show. “The audience reaction
was amazing and I think everyone got something out of it,” he said. “I know the actors and crew all
had a great experience, and we want to put out a big ‘thanks’ to everyone in the Oakton
community for their support and kindness.”
“Cupid & Psyche” strikes a chord
By: Desiree Morris
The lights dimmed as the seemingly hibernating characters on the set sprang to life upon their cues.
Joseph Fisher’s “Cupid & Psyche” tells the story of an individual’s ability to accept love, despite its
uncertainty.
Aphrodite (Molly Mulcrone) attempts to win back her followers from Psyche, the world’s most
beautiful woman (Liz Antonucci). The tension grows when Apollo (Tim Wambach) calls Aphrodite on
his cell phone to inform her that her son Cupid, (Jake Alexander) fell in love with Psyche, instead of
following his mother’s wishes to murder her.
The cast appeared to successfully transform into their characters. One moment in particular really
drew me into the story. When the flamboyant and sassy Aphrodite drops a glass from her hand,
sending shards in every direction it was quite unexpected. To me, this was a turning point as I began
to see the actors as the actual characters rather than simply performers. I felt for the goddess’
servant, Runt (Patrick Riley), as he fell to his knees to sweep up the remaining pieces and the story
held me ever since.
My eyes danced, following the vivid action of the production. Although the stage was small, it was
very well utilized. “It is so much fun to perform in a small space like Studio One, because the
audience is almost apart of the show,” Antonucci said later.
The lighting was unconventional but effective. Director Tony Churchill explained that it was his
intention to incorporate new methods into the play. During the opening, a spotlight leads Cupid to
the center stage where he finds his infamous bow.
The actors appeared to make great strides since the OCCurrence last visited them during rehearsal.
“I think the show went really well,” said Antonucci. “The last time we spoke, the show was in the
process of coming together and I think by the time you saw the show, it had grown leaps and
bounds.”
The show was enjoyable, and apparently, I wasn’t the only one who thoughts so. According to Denis
Berkson, Chair of Performing Arts, it was “the first Studio One show to sell out completely every night for
the first time in three years.”
Everyone seemed to have enjoyed working together. “I would have to say that acting in this show
was definitely a team effort,” said Wambach. “Everyone showed up and played full out. At the end
of the day, I think that is all you can ask for.”
Many of the actors accredited Churchill as inspiration for a successful show. “The audience reaction
was amazing and I think everyone got something out of it,” he said. “I know the actors and crew all
had a great experience, and we want to put out a big ‘thanks’ to everyone in the Oakton
community for their support and kindness.”
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