The Idi-Odyssey

By Burton Bumgarner
Flexible cast of 25 (About 13M, 8F plus 4 that can be either), doubling possible
Eldridge Plays and Musicals

Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, is the basis for this fun, yet educational play packed with nothing but silliness! Set off on an entirely new journey with four students of assorted personalities—jock, nerd, cheerleader and Goth—as they experience the strangest review session led by a mysterious and strict tutor, Dr. Hamilton. Odyssey characters come alive onstage in the wackiest of ways—the poet Homer is compared to Homer Simpson, Hermes is an air-head UPS delivery person and the Lotus Eaters are now the Lettuce Eaters! The God of the Sea blows a fierce wind that wreaks havoc on Odysseus’s ship… and also just plain reeks (his niece Athena gives him a few Tic Tacs for the fish breath). This romp still stays true to the original journeys but in a comedic, contemporary way, with the students even becoming intertwined in some of the episodes. After Odysseus’s return home, Dr. Hamilton retires for the day, leaving the students engrossed in their reading. One thing’s for sure, this unforgettable retelling will help your students forever remember elements of this timeless classic while also evoking epic laughter!