Originally published on PLAYBILL on September 11, 2023 BY LOGAN CULWELL-BLOCKCo-written with Alex Bechtel and Eva Steinmetz, the reimagining of The Odyssey is running at Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival through September 17.
Penelope—a new musical with music and lyrics by Alex Bechtel and a book by Bechtel, The Great Comet star Grace McLean, and Eva Steinmetz—is currently making its world premiere at Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in Garrison, New York, with performances continuing through September 17.
Watch Tatiana Wechsler (Mr. Saturday Night), starring as Penelope, in a special preview from the new musical above.
The musical reimagines the ancient Greek story The Odyssey by telling it from the point-of-view of Penelope, Odysseus’ wife. Christine Bokhour is the production’s understudy.
Steinmetz is also directing the production, which features costume design by Rebecca Kanach, lighting design by Oona Curley, sound design by Palmer Hefferan, and orchestrations by Bechtel. Jo Fernandez is stage manager, and Buffy Cardoza is prop designer. Daniel Kelly is music director, leading a five-person band from the piano.
The piece has been in development for several years, including with the Founders’ Club Residency within the Orchard Project.
Visit HVShakespeare.org.