Review: Rock opera ‘Psyche’ at Greenway Court aims high, falls short

The setting outshines the jewel in “Psyche,” a world-premiere rock opera at the Greenway Court Theatre.

But oh, what a setting. A modern-day retelling of the Psyche myth, the production features a mind-bogglingly intricate staging that includes spectacular design elements, a wonderful cast, terrific choreography and the kind of dream musical direction that would grace a Broadway show.

Unfortunately, all those elements cannot conceal the show’s essential mediocrity. The brainchild of Cindy Shapiro, who contributes book, music and lyrics to this hugely ambitious but deeply flawed undertaking, “Psyche” commences on a pitch of emotional intensity that is for the most part unwavering. However, the generalized anguish onstage fails to strike a commensurate chord of audience empathy, a problem compounded by Shapiro’s soporific music and sophomoric, repetitive lyrics.

The action centers on the travails of the beauteous Princess Psyche (Ashley Ruth Jones). When jealous Aphrodite (Laura L. Thomas) sends her son, Eros (Michael Starr togged out like John Phillip Law in “Barbarella”), to extract vengeance on her mortal rival, Eros falls in love with his intended victim. Invisible, Eros visits Psyche by night until Psyche’s trouble-making sisters (Benai Boyd and Cindy Sciacca) persuade Psyche to get a glimpse of her unseen lord. That misstep sends Psyche on a series of death-defying quests as she faces the wrathful Aphrodite and struggles to reunite with her lost love.

In case you miss any story points, cheeky super-titles idiot-proof the proceedings. Jones and Starr are convincingly hormonal lovers, Thomas is a suitably steamy Aphrodite, and Boyd and Sciacca are responsible for the comedic interludes that, although infrequent, are welcome highlights. Director Michael Matthews, musical director Jack Wall, choreographer Janet Roston and their dedicated creative allies lend plenty of razzle-dazzle to their source material. Their Herculean efforts are a sight to behold.

“Psyche,” Greenway Court Theatre, 544 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays. Ends Sept. 28. $34.99. www.psycherockopera.com. (323) 655-7679 Ext. 100. Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes.