The Minotaur by Sheep Theater
Sheep Theater’s description on their website reads "Original plays. Deranged sincerity." Their current play “The Minotaur or: Amelia Earhart is Alive and Traveling Through the Underworld” certainly meets this description. Amelia Earhart, a pioneer in aviation has almost entered the realm of myths after her disappearance, so perhaps it isn’t so odd to see her story mixed with that of figures from Greek mythology. In their latest play Sheep Theater gives us a fantastical and hilariously look into what might have happened to Amelia Earhart. She and her navigator Snook fly into a storm and crash on an island, setting the Minotaur free, creating chaos in the underworld. They meet some familiar figures such as Poseidon, Hades and Icarus along the way as they travel throughout the underworld to find a way home.
The show is staged in the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater in Minneapolis. The show uses the space masterfully. Utilizing the stage, and the area both to the left and the right of the audience. The cast works together well as an ensemble, each actor on stage filling their character with deranged sincerity. It was fun to see a mix of actors who I recognized and also some actors that were brand new to me. One of these actors is Madeline Rowe as Amelia Earhart's navigator Snook. She was a comedic highlight of the show, and I will definitely be looking for her on more Twin Cities stages in the future.
I could not finish writing about this show without mentioning the music by John Hilsen. It was the final essential part of transforming the Heart of the Beast theater into the underworld. The music while unique, also sounded familiar, reminding me of the soundtracks of 90s sci fi movies and television. Once again carrying the theme of deranged sincerity throughout the whole show.
"The Minotaur or: Amelia Earhart is Alive and Traveling Through the Underworld" is playing through this weekend. It is a must see if you love funny and high energy theater.
Click here for more information about the show and how to get tickets.
*Image courtesy of Sheep Theater