"The Penelopiad"

October 6, 2019 — I'm late reviewing this play because, frankly, it was so original and unconventional I had trouble putting my impressions into words, except that I enjoyed it immensely. Performed at the Stockbridge Theatre at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire, by theatre KAPOW, "The Penelopiad" is based on the novella by Margaret Atwood, author of "The Handmaid's Tale."

Directed by Matt Cahoon, one of the tKAPOW co-founders, the play is a re-telling of The Odyssey from Penelope's point of view from Hades with her twelve maids, thousands of years after the events of Homer's tale. Carey Cahoon is featured in the role of Penelope. She also designed the costumes and set. The rest of the all-female cast plays multiple roles, both male and female.

With musical accompaniment and dances, Penelope reminisces about her life and experiences at the time of the Odyssey. It was another of the caliber of performances that have won Cahoon the New Hampshire Theatre Award for best actress in several past performances. Could this be another? She's on-stage almost without interruption for the entire play, with volumes of dialog. Her child-birth scene alone is worthy of a Tony Award.

Also appearing were Emma Cahoon, Gina Carballo, Jamie Clavet, Teddi May Kenick-Bailey, Heidi Krantz, Rachael Chapin Longo, Sheree Owens and Katie Proulx, an impressive collection of talent. Musicians were Jake Hudgins, Jennifer Perkins-Sciolla and Sam Sarel. Choreography was by Lorraine Chapman. Tayva Young, as she has in many tKAPOW productions, enhanced the play with her exquisite
lighting design.