Mo rates it:
Thank the gods- the gods of Rock, that is – for Dizzy Miss Lizzy’s Roadside Revue’s vivacious show. With their amps cranked up to 11, the cast of The Oresteia, based on the Greek tragedy of the same name by Aeschylus, creates a show that is part musical, part rock concert, and part carnival and the result is a thoroughly entertaining night of theater.
The Oresteia establishes its purpose as the show begins – to entertain – with the help of scantily clad women and muscled men, but they are selling themselves far too short. The cast is filled with talented vocalists, almost all of whom also play an instrument. Aside from these impressive talents, all of the actors perform with such exuberance and vigor that it is impossible not to be infected by the lively spirit.
The show playfully provides a brief Greek history lesson, coaxing the audience into the complex history of the Trojan War and introducing its large cast of characters. With the history established the show begins with the introduction of the Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon. Maria Egler’s brazen Clytemnestra is certainly no wilting lily. Upon being introduced, she lays out her goals for retribution against Agamemnon, played by the guitar wielding Steve McWilliams, for the slaying of her beloved daughter Iphigenia, the graceful Debra Buonaccorsi. After her success, it is up to her conflicted son Orestes, portrayed by Jordan Klein who somehow manages to make angst endearing, to decide how to deal with his murderous mother.
Even with such bloody subject material, the show is a comedy. There are many humorous moments, especially a musical number which juxtaposes the hopeful Orestes against his vengeful sister Electra, played by a malevolent Laura Keena.
The epic story seems well suited for the concert staging and the musical numbers are the true driving force of the show. The show’s final number is especially rousing, lead by the magnificent Felicia Curry, and when it is over, you’ll want to do it all again.
The Oresteia 
Directed by Debra Buonaccorsi
Produced by Dizzy Miss Lizzie’s Roadside Revue and Keegan Theatre
Reviewed by Mo O’Rourke
I feel sorry for those who missed this fantastic production. I don’t always agree with critics, but this show lived up to the rating. I first had reservations about the apparent burlesque trappings, but that aspect also was so much more fun than I expected. Great tech, rich costuming, and staging peopled by wonderful talent. Somewhere in the reverberations of high decibels and irresistable rhythms, I rediscovered my youth. I wished the performers had encouraged more audience participation at the end–really you didn’t want the end to come, as all good things must.
Full of high energy, great original music, and a cast of multi-talented performers. It was terrific.
Even better than I remembered it! Bravo!