METAMORPHOSES: a play by Mary Zimmerman at York HS

Name: METAMORPHOSES: a play by Mary Zimmerman at York HS
Start: 2026-01-22T19:30:00-06:00
End: 2026-01-25T14:00:00-06:00
Location: 355 West St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, IL, United States, Illinois 60126

Schedule

Thu, 22 Jan, 2026 at 07:30 pm to Sun, 25 Jan, 2026 at 02:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

355 West St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, IL, United States, Illinois 60126 | Elmhurst, IL

YORK DRAMA DIVES INTO MYTHS AND LEGENDS WITH 900 GALLONS OF WATER
“Metamorphoses” by Mary Zimmerman brings classic mythology and modern messages together, all taking place in a real pool and on its deck.
York Drama is proud to present Mary Zimmerman’s Tony-winning play, “Metamorphoses,” on Jan. 22-24 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. on the Baker Auditorium stage. Pulling from classic myths like Orpheus and Eurydice, King Midas, and Eros and Psyche, this epic mixes drama and comedy into a unique exploration of change, hope, and love.
In what’s considered her signature theatrical piece, once hailed as “the theater event of the year” (Time), Tony Award-winning director and playwright Mary Zimmerman juxtaposes the ancient and the contemporary in a ravishing theatricalization of Roman poet Ovid’s powerful masterwork, “Metamorphoses.” Performed in and around a large pool of water, an ensemble of actors embodies figures from Greek mythology to share both well-known and rarely told stories of transformation.
“As directors, Mrs. Marianetti and I have always been enamored by this force of a script,” Matt Bourke, co-director, said. “Though the pool will literally take center stage, what is far more exciting is the genuine storytelling and joy that emanates from its deck. As we deal with immensely real human emotions and judgments in a highly stylized way, this play reminds us of the importance of love, family, and a willingness to change for the good in one another.”
Both directors spoke of their excitement for storytelling, influenced by the work of master directors. In their work, they emphasized the importance of collaborating with actors to find the messages and ideas they want to highlight.
“In so many ways, this show embodies so much of what Mr. Bourke and I love about theatre: discovery, hope, love, and reflection,” Rebecca Marianetti, co-director, said. “The process of bringing ‘Metamorphoses’ to life has been an incredibly affirming experience, creating a collaborative, artistic, and unique piece that we are thrilled to share. Truely, there is beauty in the world.”
And students have felt this collaborative spirit throughout the weeks of rehearsal, learning about how to build off of each other.
“Throughout this process, my abilities to communicate, respond, and be aware of my surroundings have grown in unimaginable ways,” Lola Torson, junior ensemble member, said. “This show has taught me so much about the importance of listening to my fellow actors and considering how my actions impact others.”
“Metamorphoses” will be presented Jan. 22-24 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. at York High School in the Baker Auditorium. Tickets are $15 and available at www.YorkDrama.org.
“More than anything else, this play reminds us of the lessons we have learned throughout our lives,” Sophia Braafhart, junior ensemble member, said. “Just like how these myths were originally written to teach the listeners lessons, so too does this one-of-a-kind piece of art.”