Who says being culturally enriched can't be fun?

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: ZORBA
Zorba offers a great Greek experience at the Palace Theatre from April 4 to 14.

Opening April 4 at the Palace Theatre (710 Dundas St.), Zorba brings audiences laughter, emotion, music and thoughts to reflect on in the form of a stage performance. Having since been adapted from the original novel by Nikos Kazantzakis into the 1964 movie (starring veteran actor Anthony Quinn of Lawrence of Arabia and Guns of Navarone fame, no less), two Broadway productions and even a video game, Zorba's celebration of Greek culture continues to live on, with this adaptation of the Broadway musical being the latest to carry on the proverbial torch.

The play's complex yet entertaining dialogue would put Aaron Sorkin to shame, and the various musical numbers are sure to entertain. “There is a lot of dialogue in the book and there is quite a bit on stage, especially between the characters Zorba and Nikos,” said the play's producer, Deanne Kondrat. “But it doesn't feel too long or drawn out because the characters are so interesting, witty and insightful.” Being the story about an uptight young scholar being taught how to let loose by a dusty old labourer, the dialogue, song and dance certainly does reflect the themes of what it means to live a fulfilling life.

“Zorba is definitely a musical where you laugh, you cry and you go on this magical journey and care about the characters and their adventures.”

When it comes to having a successful production, execution is everything. London's talent pool of stage actors has provided Kondrat with an abundance of cast picks. The London-based cast has prepared themselves for their challenging roles. “I would say that I am glad I had no prior knowledge about this story,” castmember Kelsea Crowe said. “I was able to discover the widow for myself without the influence of someone else's interpretation of her. She's quite a complex character and sometimes portraying all her inner workings clearly to the audience, who don't get to see your expressions up close, becomes very difficult.”

Endorsed by the London Greek community, the matinee performance on April 7 has been proclaimed a ‘Greek Day,' and members of the community Greek dance groups will join the cast onstage after the final act.

The play brings to life the island of Crete, with costumes, sets and songs galore. The sets aim to recreate the rural aesthetic of Crete circa the 1920s. “Londoners will be transported to Greece,” exclaimed Kondrat. “People will have to come and see, it's unlike anything ever seen on a London stage before.”

For more information or to buy tickets, which start at $21 for students, go to mtplondon.ca/zorba or call the Palace Theatre Box Office at 519-432-1029.