BEMIDJI — Fifteen actors will portray 130 characters from Greek mythology when the Bemidji Community Theater opens its latest production on Friday, July 18.
“The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less” is set for 7 p.m. on July 18, 19, 25 and 26, and at 2 p.m. on July 20 and 27 at the BCT Performing Arts Complex, 316 Beltrami Ave. NW.
“It’s kind of like a Saturday Night Live interpretation of Greek mythology,” said director Vicki Stenerson. “Even if you don’t know Greek mythology, I think you’ll still enjoy it. I think the humor will come through and you know you might even learn a little more than you knew.”
Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer
Here is how the play is described:
“On a simple stage, with the clock ticking in front of everyone’s eyes, the cast speeds through all of Greek mythology. All the silly decisions, the absurd destinies, and the goofy characters are presented lightning-bolt fast with hysterical results as the clock is stopped with only seconds to spare (we hope).”
Stenerson said, “BCT has never done anything like this. I was drawn to the play because it was so funny and because it could involve a lot of people. We drew a lot of new people who hadn’t worked with us before into the community theater.”
One of those BCT newcomers is Zachary Stute, who plays 10 different characters: Hermes, Thespis, Paris, Pandoros, Trojan, Exploitatis, Midas, Trojan Officer, Aeolus and Scylla 1.
“He has done exceedingly well,” Stenerson said. “He’s really gotten into his characters and put his own spin on them.”
Another first-timer is Rico Villa, who plays 13 characters: M2, Apollo, Drunken Man, Principal Thomas, Nestor, Priam, Hector, Orpheus, Peleus, Phaethon, Trojan, Man and Scylla 2.
“Rico is completely new to theater,” Stenerson said. “He is working really hard, and in fact he’s asked me for extra rehearsals so he can get everything down correctly. I’m impressed with that.”
Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer
The play was originally written for only five actors playing 30 or more parts. “But they said in the production notes if you really want to add more actors go ahead,” Stenerson said.
She and assistant director LaDon Howes spent about four hours figuring out how to parse the cast.
“You have to be careful not to give them two parts at the same time because they can’t be two people on stage at the same time,” Stenerson said. “So we had to go through everything very carefully and arrange it to keep everybody on equal footing.”
All of the actors wear the same costumes: togas. The roles are differentiated by props like swords, helmets, crowns and sashes. Stenerson credited Amy Strande for creating the 170 props.
Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer
Tickets are available at McKenzie Place and Ken K. Thompson Jewelry, or online at
Prices are $15 for adults, $12 for elders, and $6 for children.
Limited concierge seating is available at $25. Parental guidance is suggested for children under 13.
Dennis Doeden, former publisher of the Bemidji Pioneer, is a feature reporter. He is a graduate of Metropolitan State University with a degree in Communications Management.
