Alcestis, directed by OCA at SOU professor David McCandless, is an ancient Greek play by Euripides, an unconventional tragicomedy that, according to McCandless is “full of surprises.” In the play, Admetus, King of Thessaly is able to avoid an early death ordained by the Fates. The catch is that he must find someone to die in his place. Only his brave wife Alcestis is up to the task. “It all seems pretty tragic until Herakles shows up,” McCandless says, “and some rather strange things begin to happen.” As McCandless explains, Herakles is far better known by his Roman name, Hercules. “In Euripides’ play, he is both the legendary hero of ancient myth and the hard-partying doofus of the Greek satyr play, adding to the fun, and to the play’s twists and turns.” Alcestis will feature live singing and original music. OCA at SOU Music faculty Christine Williams serves as music director. McCandless’ most recent OCA at SOU Theatre productions include Dear Brutus, Peter and the Starcatcher, and The Comedy of Errors. The design team for Alcestis consists of OCA at SOU Theatre students Parker Gibbons and Kyler Deanda (scenery), Stage Manager Jonathan Pardon, and OCA at SOU faculty Deborah Rosenberg (costumes).