photo courtesy of arizona repertory theatre Mike Pauley and Molly Jasper play King Ceyx and Queen Alcyone in "Metamorphosis." The play is made of adaptations of several Roman myths.

"Metamorphoses." Where to begin? It's a play currently being performed by UA students with the Arizona Repertory Theatre, and yet, it's really unlike all plays I've seen. The stage is not a stage. It is a swimming pool bordered by a three-foot wide platform and, raised by a mechanical crane connected to the catwalk above, the audience rises in a circle around this set.

The unique set is not the only element of uniqueness that "Metamorphoses" has to offer. There is the unique plot: a series of vignettes based on the myths of Ovid. There is the unique blending of ancient myths and characters with modern devices, such as neon plastic water guns and filtered cigarette smoking. There is the unique possibility that, as an audience member, you just might get splashed with pool water more than once. Although, I managed to escape the spray.

All of this uniqueness and anomaly come together in "Metamorphoses" like something L'il Kim might wear to the MTV movie awards. There's a touch of nudity, a touch of neon and, just as you may give it props for daring to be so different, there's something that just doesn't quite work about the ensemble. Or rather, there are some of us who just can't handle it - and I'm no conservative. But let's call too much too much.

There are those who will vehemently disagree with me. Still, that's how I felt about "Metamorphoses." I wanted something more orderly to hold on to. I kept getting distracted by all the splashing water. On three occasions actors slipped and nearly fell off the platform. It just seemed too messy, and not intentionally messy where a soaking wet cast somehow adds to the overall impact of the play. Just a little ... messy. I thought to myself, "Why? Why messy?"

I think there are some people out there who would enjoy this play. As I left the theater after the Sunday afternoon preview performance, there were those who gave a standing ovation, there were some who gushed about the play as they made their way outside. These are the people the play was made for. Not people like me. The people like me were heard to politely say things like "interesting..." to their neighbors. Interesting is what you say about the zebra-print sweater with pink sleeves that Grandma knitted you for your birthday. It's what you say about L'il Kim's award show attire.

Here's who will like this play and should definitely go see it while it's running: Big-time theater enthusiasts. While the many disparate aspects felt a little muddled to me, the solid performances of the actors shone through. Nat Cassidy is outstanding and often funny as King Midas. Lisa Sproul, who plays several roles, is delightful to watch, and portrays each of her characters skillfully. I'd actually have to go through the entire cast list to name all of the excellent actors, but other notables are Noah Todd, Molly Jasper and Matt Bailey (who can sing, too!).

So, to sum it up: "Metamorphoses" is well-acted with some elaborate and sexy costumes and a highly unique set. People who love theater, all kinds of theater, will probably love this play too. If, however, you suffer from theater ADD like I do, and you're easily distracted by things like endless splashing in swimming pools and insertions of modern-day objects, like water guns, into classical myths, you definitely want to skip this one and wait for next month's "Guys and Dolls," much more traditional theater-fare.