A quick note of recommendation for Michi Barall's colorful, amusing romp, Rescue Me (a postmodern classic with snacks), directed by Loy Arcenas and presented by Ma-Yi Theater Company at SoHo's Ohio Theater. There's much fun in this nutty, century-crossing, meta-adaptation of Euripedes's Iphigenia in Tauris--and I'm not just talking about the pop music and half-time snack food. (But thanks for the goldfish crackers!) Eighty minutes fly by in a haze of fun.
Among Barall's fine, eight-member cast, David Greenspan (a droll/imperious Artemis/Athena) and Leon Ingulsrud (as an Elvis-like King Thoas) give outstanding interpretations as playwright and company blur the line between then (ancient Greece) and now. Our Iphigenia, Jennifer Ikeda--who is 34, single and hates her job--works too many distracting Meryl Streep mannerisms, perhaps. But her open, childlike chemistry with her courageous brother Orestes (played by dancer-actor Julian Barnett, the production's choreographer) is convincing and heart-melting. Barnett's choreography, by the way, and his own whirlwind dancing in this show are among his best career achievements. Both are aptly versatile and expressive.
Rescue Me through April 18 at Ohio Theater
66 Wooster Street (between Prince and Broome Streets), Manhattan
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