By: Sultana F. Ali Contributing Writer
Halstead and Casteneda's "Pandemonium" delivers on it's description - bringing Milton's "Paradise Lost" to stage with the Greater Orlando Actors Theatre, but adding in a dash of leather, whips and dance that might make some shift in their seats. The creation story has never been told quite like this.
The character of "God" is regretful and hokey, Lucifer is actually "Lucy" and she is a wild child who won't stop until she gets her way, delivering a fiery performance; and all of the angels and fallen angels are there too. Adam and Eve are as naive as one might imagine and full of the innocence of youth, but gradually succumb to Lucy's charms.
The show has incorporated pop music into the story and a handful of vocal performances and dance make-up for the flatter moments in dialogue. The stage sometimes feels too small for the dancers to fit, but the dancers manage to maneuver around and between the actors, an incredulous feat. From the pearly gates of heaven to the Garden of Eden and more, the show transitions from one scene to the next, utilizing dancers from Emotions Dance Company to elaborate on the emotions of the moment.
A bonus for those who love the beer tent; a drink ticket is provided to all show patrons, courtesy of "Lucy."
