Oedipus in Seattle is an auto-theater mash up of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and the 1993 rom-com Sleepless in Seattle. In this unconventional adaptation, two different actors take the stage each night without having rehearsed or read the script. Instructions from a voice in their headphones will guide them through the piece as they assume the roles of Oedipus, Jocasta, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, with the casting decided by random chance.
Oedipus in Seattle is a show about destiny, and the uncertainty of living a life without one. From ancient Greece tragedies to modern romantic comedies, humans have always created stories about destiny, and characters who will end up winning or losing no matter how hard they try to escape their fate. Meanwhile, the actors in this piece will function more like we all do in real life- without a script, stumbling from one task to the next, trying and mostly failing to understand what it all means.
Script by Savannah Reich, and sound design and an original score by sound artist Douglas Vento.
PRODUCTION HISTORY
The show premiered at the 2022 Philadelphia Fringe Festival, where it won an overall “Fringie” Audience Choice Award. We were invited to reprise it at the December Miniball Festival at Christ Church Neighborhood House, where it starred local audience favorites Suli Holum, Trey Lyford, Brandon J Pierce and Anthony Martinez-Briggs.
I wrote about the ideas and inspiration behind the show for the Cannonball Festival Blog- read it here!
TOUR DATES
Catch us on tour this summer in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Minneapolis, and New York (New York dates coming soon!)
Buy tickets here:
Chicago– Weds May 24th at the Den, 8 pm, starring Audrey Polinski and Carly Wicks. $15 or PWYC. Buy tickets here!
Minneapolis– Sat May 27th and Sunday May 28th at Bryant Lake Bowl, 3 pm both days, starring Jon Cole, Maren Ward, Samantha Johns and Kait Sergenian. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Buy tickets here!
Pittsburgh– Sat June 3rd at the Little Giant Studio, starring Matt Eaker and Nina Ruffini. Make reservations here!
Savannah Reich 