Take a raucous trip to the underworld with 'Orpheus'

Rayna Morano as Eurydice in ISU Theatre's "Orpheus in the Underw

Senior Rayna Morano portrays Eurydice in "Orpheus in the Underworld," a collaborative production by ISU Theatre and the opera studio. Submitted photo.

ISU Theatre partnered with the music department's opera studio for its production of "Orpheus in the Underworld," which opens tonight, Nov. 1, at Fisher Theater. The operetta -- a mix of music and dialogue -- runs this weekend only.

Based on a Greek myth, the satirical comedy follows Orpheus (senior Ian Butler) from Mount Olympus to the underworld in a reluctant search for Eurydice (senior Rayna Morano) -- his wife, who doesn't wish to be rescued. Both have other love interests, but Public Opinion (junior Samantha Schmitz) pressures Orpheus into the rescue attempt. His travels lead to encounters with Greek gods and a conclusion that breaks into, of all things, a raucous cancan dance.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Audience members are invited to meet the cast and crew and enjoy refreshments at a post-show reception on opening night. Tickets are $25 ($16 for ISU students), available through Ticketmaster, the Stephens Auditorium ticket office and at Fisher Theater prior to the show.