Dido of Idaho Review – How Complex is Woman

Julie Dretzin and Elissa Middleton in DIDO OF IDAHO - Photo by Makela Yepez Photography
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Penned by Abby Rosebrock, DIDO OF IDAHO premiered off Broadway in 2018. When interviewed at that time about the greatest challenge in getting her work produced, Rosebrock remarked, “It was hard to sell myself and others on a play about a women involved with an unavailable man…it became clear to me that compulsive allegiance to unavailable men is maybe the great human problem of our time.” More recently, Rosebrock added, “I wanted to write about a woman who feel hopeless of ever being loved, and to imagine a way out of that for her…the only way to make that kind of play bearable for me or for anyone experiencing it is to make it as funny and exciting as possible.” Loosely based on the tale of Dido and Aeneas – the story of Queen Dido who, when abandoned by her lover, commits suicide in rage and despair – Rosebrock brings the tragic tale into modern times and injects lots of dark comedy. In 2024, the Echo Theater Company presents DIDO OF IDAHO.          

Nicole DuPort and Alana Dietze – Photo by Makela Yepez Photography

DIDO OF IDAHO tells the story of Nora (Alana Deitze), a lovelorn baroque musicologist with a drinking problem who is head-over-heels in love with Michael (Joby Earle), an English professor who just happens to be married – but, of course, to hear him tell it, separated – from his wife Crystal (Nicole DuPort), who was Miss Idaho in her youth. The women form an unlikely friendship until Crystal discovers that Nora is involved with her husband and the fur flies. Nora flees to the mountains to seek out comfort from her estranged mother Julie (Julie Dretzin) and Julie’s new partner, Ethel (Elissa Middleton). Soon she may run out of ports-in-a-storm.

Nicole DuPort and Alana Dietze – Photo by Makela Yepez Photography

Skillfully helmed by Abigail Deser, DIDO OF IDAHO tries to navigate the tragic, the comic, and the absurd in order to reach possible self-acceptance and understanding. The cast strives mightily to make the tragic turn of events humorous and entertaining. The creative team includes scenic designer Amanda Knehans, lighting designer Xinyuan Li, sound designer Alysha Grace Bermudez, costume designer Dianne K. Graebner, make-up designer Jennifer Pritchard, and fight choreographer Ahmed Best – each doing his best to develop a theater-in-the-round environment to frame the story. Make no mistake: this is definitely comedy at its darkest.

Julie Dretzin and Elissa Middleton – Photo by Makela Yepez Photography

DIDO OF IDAHO will likely appeal to an audience actively involved in the pursuit of love and companionship, as well as an audience who enjoys laughing at human foibles and missteps. It will also appeal to individuals fascinated by love and how its pursuit sometimes makes fools of all of us. The play is clearly an examination of relationships, whether they be heterosexual, homosexual, or something in between.

Alana Deitze – Photo by Makela Yepez Photography

DIDO OF IDAHO runs through August 26, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays and at 4 p.m. on Sundays. The Echo Theater Company performs at Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039. Tickets are $34 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On Mondays, Pay-What-You-Want. For information and reservations, call 747-350-8066 or go online.

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