Alcestis at American Players Theatre

The last time APT took on a Greek, it was named Production of the Year by The Wall Street Journal. Alcestis revisits that extraordinary conflux of 5th and 20th Century poetry, as David Frank concludes his tenure with this play, hand-selected to be his last as Producing Artistic Director.

Apollo has sweet-talked the Fates into giving King Admetus a life extension. But dealing with gods can be backhanded business, and the fine print demands a sacrifice. Now time’s up, and there’s but one volunteer: Admetus’ beloved Queen. But just when you start to think those Greeks had completely lost their sense of humor, enter Heracles, riding a wave of grand ego, drunken ribaldry and, of all things, a flaming vulture. But he may be just the guy to confront that one thing feared by gods and humans alike: the unknown.