The 2021-22 Lee Theatre season will open soon with the student-directed comedy “The Iliad, the Odyssey, and all of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less” by Jay Hopkins and John Hunter. The show will run Sept. 24-25 and Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in the Buzz Oates Black Box Theatre, located in Lee’s Communication Arts Building. All performances are at 7:30 p.m.

“Ninety-nine Minutes’ is a hilarious take on the entire canon of Greek mythology, a formative culture base for all of western history,” said student director Laura Harris. “It is definitely ridiculous, brilliant, and somehow still educational.”

Set on a simple stage, “The Iliad, the Odyssey, and all of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less” consists of a five-person cast speeding through all of Greek mythology and Homer’s epics. As a 99-minute timer ticks down in front of everyone’s eyes, each actor plays dozens of different characters as Greek mythology is showcased with a modern twist.

“Directing has been a dream of mine and doing this show has been a dream come true,” said Ms. Harris. “Working with this cast and production team has been a highlight of my college career.”

Ms. Harris, the only student-director this season, is a senior theatre major with a deaf studies minor. As director, she is not only the creative vision behind the show, but also collaborates with the cast and crew to make the show come together. This includes overseeing over 100 sound and lighting cues and over 200 props.

“Everyone has been so supportive and helpful through this entire process,” said Ms. Harris. “A director has to make about a billion and a half decisions for any show, and this show has been no different. Collaborative art is one of my biggest passions, and this show has been nothing but collaboration from the very beginning.”

At this time, all shows are planned to have in-person, live performances, open to the public. The community is invited, and encouraged, to attend.

Lee Theatre follows the university’s COVID-19 guidelines, which currently means that masks are required for all attendees. Other mitigations may go in effect depending on school and local policies. 

Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite and at the box office located in the Communication Arts Building. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and children.

For more information on Lee Theatre or to purchase tickets online, visit //leeuniversity.edu/theatre, call the box office at 614-8360, or follow LeeUTheatre on Facebook.