The Village Theater: Calypso
Evelyn Jane Wohlbier
The Village Theater Presents CALYPSO Review - A Greek Rom Com
TLDR: Another stop for Odysseus on his long journey home, we see his and Calypso’s story played out after he finds himself stuck on her island. Coming together over their love of music, we see the two’s relationship from start to finish in an intimate, small theater setting.
Emma Mansfield
An Eternity on The Island at The Village Theater
Being stuck alone on an island would cause anyone to understandably feel isolated. Add in the fact that not only you’re alone, but you’re stuck there for eternity AND you’re also immortal is a triple whammy. Tally marks run up and down the stone walls on Ogygia, this solo occupancy island in Calypso. The nymph of the hour herself, Calypso is played by Evelyn Jane Wohlbier, and even she has lost count of how long she’s been on the island. She does get one visitor every now and again whenever Hermes (Emma Mansfield) deigns to visit. But Hermes has the luxury of being able to leave whenever they want to with a snap of their fingers.
Even without consistent companionship, Calypso has created a life for herself on her island. She has her homey cave. Her provisions. And most importantly, she has her music. Always singing and writing songs, Hermes has recently gifted Calypso a new musical instrument to compose her songs on. Wohlbier sings original songs for the production in a full and rounded voice that sounds like it was meant to be accompanied by a lyre. We feel her desire for life off the island, but also feel what we’re sure is a regular resignation every time Hermes gently reminds her she can’t leave.
Emma Mansfield, Riley Lucas, and Evelyn Jane Wohlbier
Love Comes Crashing In
As fate would have it, two paths determined by the gods themselves are about to collide as one hero’s journey is sending him crash landing on Ogygia. It’s almost like a cruel trick for both of them as Odysseus (played by Riley Lucas) still hasn’t made it home after ten years at sea and Calypso finally has another being for company but doesn’t know for how long.
Everything about Calypso feels like a Greek romantic comedy. Even though one is a nymph, and one is a heroic legend, we see every step of a relationship that is recognizable to us humans. The beginning cautioness. Learning about each other. Bonding over their love of music. The shy exchanges of meaningful looks building into a slow burn before the two eventually fall in love.
Riley starts out as a worn-out warrior, exasperated at yet another diversion from reaching home. When he changes costumes and comes back out in white and silver robes, his entire demeanor changes to a grounded individual and attentive as he adjusts to life on the island. We see Calypso come out of her shell more as Wohlbier goes from a naive nymph to seeing that naivete falling away as she hears more about the outside world and boldly proclaims her feelings.
But like any Greek story with gods involved and any good rom com, a relationship is not without its conflicts and heartbreaks. While they both have felt the good feelings of love and care, we also see them experience learning how to heal.
Emma Mansfield, Riley Lucas, and Evelyn Jane Wohlbier
The After Party Thoughts
Calypso is a very heartwarming play set in ancient Greek times. We can’t help but feel warm and fuzzy as we watch Odysseus and Calypso’s first kiss and then our hearts go out to both of them as they make difficult decisions. Accompanied by the haughtiness of Mansfield’s Hermes, Wohlbier and Lucas show how a relationship develops, grows, and eventually can find healing within it. For those that love mythology and love stories, Calypso would be a good fit for you.
RECOMMENDED
Riley Lucas
When
Now through November 23, 2025
Where
Rivendell Theatre
5779 N. Ridge Avenue
Chicago, IL 60660
Runtime: 2hrs, including an intermission
Tickets
$10+
Tickets can be purchased through The Village Theater website
Photos
Collin Quinn Rice
Find Allie and The After Party featured on Theatre in Chicago
CAST
Evelyn Jane Wohlbier (Calypso)
Emma Mansfield (Hermes)
Riley Lucas (Odysseus)
Olivia Gregorich (u/s Calypso)
Rachel Katz (u/s Hermes)
Casey McKinney (u/s Odysseus)
CREATIVE
Emily Newmark (Director)
Jordan Muschler (Playwright)
Olivia Marmer (Assistant Director, Production Design Assistant)
Sofie Schmeltzer (Stage Manager)
Kieran Minor (Music Director)
Bailey McWilliams-Woods (Intimacy Director, Producer)
Clara Zucker (Producer)
Naomi Kalter (Dramaturg)
Jane Hobson (Marketing Team)
Emily Waskowitz (Marketing Team)
Katelyn Montgomery (Production Designer / Set Designer)
Robin Manganaro (Props Master)
Maggie McGlenn (Costume Designer)
Joseph Nelson (Lighting Designer)
Emmerich Mager (Sound Designer)
Lizzie Komosa (Stage Crew)
Andi Muriel (Poster & Program Artist)