METAMORPHOSES, described as "magical," "stunning," and "remarkable" at its 2001 New York debut, returns to Gainesville Theatre Alliance´s stage June 21-July 15, as part of Lake Lanier´s 50 Days for 50 Years celebration. Combining movement, poetry and 6,000 gallons of water, METAMORPHOSES bridges the gap between ancient myth and modern dreams.

The set, designed by Stuart Beaman, is a portal to the heavens and a pool, sometimes placid, sometimes turbulent, through which actors plunge into the roles of gods and men. Both a contemporary and classical retelling of Ovid´s tales of transformation, METAMORPHOSES focuses on timeless themes of love, the inevitability of change and the human ability to adapt to change

Directed by Jim Hammond, Gainesville Theatre Alliance´s managing and artistic director, METAMORPHOSES sold 97% of all 15 performances in April. "These Greek myths that have survived thousands of years are given a contemporary spin loaded with pathos and humor and insight," says Hammond. "They are clearly still relevant today judging from the 3,000 people who bought tickets to the first run!" he adds.

Playwright Mary Zimmerman has become known for adapting the essential elements of ancient texts and pairing them with unusual, surprising theatrical conventions. Both contemporary and classical, comical and poignant, METAMORPHOSES focuses on themes of love, the inevitability of change, and the human ability to adapt—all played out in a pool of water.

Atlanta´s Brik Berkes joins the ensemble of ten actors for the summer production, as do Theresa Snyder and Cliff Smith, both graduates of Gainesville Theatre Alliance´s joint program with Gainesville State College and Brenau University.

Performances run Thursday through Sunday, June 21-July 15, at Gainesville State College´s Ed Cabell Theatre (3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood). Performance times are 8pm Thursdays and Saturdays, with two performances on Friday at 7pm and 10pm, and a matinee on Sunday at 5pm. METAMORPHOSES is 90 minutes long and there is no late seating.

Director Jim Hammond offers a "Green Room Conversation," free and open to the public, after every show in the lobby of the Ed Cabell Theatre; with the exception of Fridays, when it will be offered between the two shows at approximately 8:45pm.

Tickets are $16-18 for adults, $14-16 for seniors (65 and older) and $10-12 for students. MasterCard, Visa and Discover are accepted. Select your own seats on the website: www.gainesvilleTHEATREalliance.org, or call the Box Office: 678-717-3624.

For information about additional events scheduled as part of the Lake Lanier 50 Days for 50 Years Celebration, visit the website: www.LakeLanier50.com.

Photo of:  Derrick Ledbetter and Sarah Smith