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The University Theatre’s production of “Good Morning Athens” is the perfect musical for someone who can’t stand traditional musicals. Audiences won’t hear indecipherable language or opera-like tunes in this show. Instead, show-goers experience hip-hop, sexual themes, political cracks and common language.
The story line encompasses themes that a typical University student is likely to relate to. The plot centers on General Tantalos, the leader of Athens, who bought himself into office and is now up for re-election. To gain popularity, he decides to launch an unjustified war. The women in town are furious that their men will be neglecting them for a pointless war, so they vow to withhold sex until their husbands give up fighting. Throughout this battle of war and sex, characters experience sexual frustration, have conflicts in their relationships and learn about the realities of combat. This tale is told amid a colorful, creative set, which includes a wall of graffiti, pillars, vibrant buildings and a border of female pop singer cut-outs including J. Lo, Britney Spears and even Janet Jackson with her exposed breast. An orchestra is absent from this musical; instead, cast members sing contemporary-style to prerecorded, instrumental background music.
Political references in the show are abundant, hilarious and perfectly reflect today’s American politics. Tantalos, played by theater arts student Joe Oyala, is an obvious representation of President George W. Bush. Tantalos mispronounces lengthy words during his speeches and references the PATRIOT Act and the No Child Left Behind Act. In response to his wife’s request to end the war, he responds, “Where will we get our oil?” In the meantime, characters mock war by
dancing with prop rifles and a noose tied around the neck of an accused “unpatriotic” person.
Controversial and risqué themes are stretched further in the show’s blatant sexual references. After withholding for a while, the women begin to crave sex and express themselves by discussing their sexual dreams and dancing with vegetable dildos. In one scene, the cast dances with a giant prop penis and another showcases a gay makeout. These highly suggestive visuals, as well as liberal use of foul language, prove that the cast of “Good Morning Athens” isn’t afraid to take chances, and their fearless attitudes are very admirable.
Exceptional talent radiates from the stage in this show. One powerful performance comes from Medea (played by theater arts and mathematics student Marissa Neitling), a blunt, alcoholic newscaster and single mom who struggles with her relationship with her ex-husband. Neitling gives a convincing portrayal of an angst-driven, intoxicated woman.
For those still grieving about Nov. 3’s election results, “Good Morning Athens” might be a helpful remedy. The show inspires many laughs by poking fun at the President and his policies. This wild, risqué production that a “Good Morning Athens” writer calls an “anti-musical,” is sure to please.
