It’s Not Greek to Her

Bristol Riverside Theatre closes its season with the musical ‘Olympus on My Mind.’

By: Kara Fitzpatrick

Bethe B. Austin (center) plays the comically inept actress, Delores, in Olympus on My Mind, at Bristol Riverside Theatre through May 22.

   When Bethe B. Austin signed on for Bristol Riverside Theatre’s production of Olympus on My Mind, she didn’t claim to be a stranger to the role.
   Ms. Austin is actually quite familiar with the semi-obscure musical, after playing the lead role of Delores in the show’s original production in 1986, at a New York City stage called the Actor’s Outlet.
   "It’s a different feel from the cast," Ms. Austin says of the contrast between the current performance the original. "The setting is different — it just has different nuances."
   Even though she admits she did have to go back and review the script after 20 years and a variety of performances, she says, "a lot of things feel the same."
   And although time has passed and Ms. Austin has been a part of myriad other plays — most recently playing Mrs. Claus in the Radio City Music Christmas Spectacular — she says she is enthused to once again be a part of Olympus on My Mind.
   The musical, which runs in Bristol, Pa., through May 22, takes the audience through the follies of a cast trying to assemble their own production based in Greek mythology. The play’s producer, Murray the Furrier, has one stipulation, however: his new wife, Delores, must be in the play. An inexperienced actress, she creates the basis for the comedic nature of Olympus on My Mind.
   "She can’t sing, dance or act," explains Ms. Austin. Her displays, which Ms. Austin describes as "things Lucy would do," create the comedy.
   "It has so many levels of funny," she continues. "It’s slapstick funny, it’s vaudeville, it’s book funny. It’s really a funny piece."
   Delores, says Ms. Austin, "is so happy to be onstage and she really tries." Unfortunately, her efforts don’t always work out — making for a rather entertaining scenario.
   The audience won’t be alone in enjoying themselves once the lights are dimmed. "It’s a blast to do," says Ms. Austin. "The music is very good. So, you get such joy of the time you are onstage."
   Grant Sturiale wrote the music for Olympus on My Mind and the book and lyrics are by Barry Harman. David Abers, BRT’s publicist, says that "we try to find a musical that our audiences will enjoy but they may not necessarily know," and Olympus on My Mind fits distinctly into that category. Mr. Abers describes the music as a combination of funny songs with a tap number and some standard Broadway fare mixed in as well.
   The musical, he says, is fit for all audiences: "This is good for the whole family."
   Ms. Austin is not a newcomer to the Bristol Riverside Theatre stage. In 1998, she won a Barrymore Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the musical Texas Flyer. She has performed on Broadway in Sly Fox, Onward Victoria and Noises Off.
   Leading man Gary Lynch will join Ms. Austin as Jupiter, who shares the stage with Delores in the crew’s effort. Mr. Lynch is a two-time National Broadway Award nominee for his performance in Mamma Mia! In addition, he has performed as Les Miserables’ Inspector Javert.
   Another Broadway veteran, SuEllen Estey, will join the crew in the role of Charis. Ms. Estey has appeared on Broadway in Sweeney Todd, Barnum and State Fair. She played Madame Giry in the Broadway International Company production of Phantom of the Opera and has appeared in daytime-TV shows All My Children and As the World Turns.
   The cast also includes Christopher Kale Jones, Kenneth Boys, Lynette Knapp, Bill Bartus, Michael Susko and Ernest Williams Jr.
   Olympus on My Mind is directed by Edward Keith Baker. Mr. Baker is also the musical director for the play and is collaborating with choreographer Sharon Halley.
Olympus on My Mind plays at Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol, Pa., through May 22. Performances: Wed., Sat. 2, 8 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri. 8 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. Tickets cost $34-$42, $15 students. For information, call (215) 785-0100. On the Web: www.brtstage.org