Each year, the arrival of a fall play transforms Pinewood’s small theater into a different setting altogether. This year, one can expect to be transported back to Ancient Greece for the show Argonautika. 

   The play, based on the mythical story of “Jason and the Argonauts,” follows a crew through their harrowing journey to find the Golden Fleece. Along the way, they brave violent storms, placate temperamental gods, resist various temptations, persevere through deadly obstacles and grapple with their own flaws.

   The script for “Jason and the Argonauts” is quite flexible in nature. 

   “What I love about a script like this is that it’s so open to interpretation,” director Katie Linza said, referencing the minimal stage direction included for some of the most exciting moments in the show. Often, the actors and Linza work collaboratively to create their own original choreography, especially for fight scenes. 

   Junior Leo Gray, who plays the lead role of Jason, enjoys the variety of his role. 

  “It’s a fun role because I get to do a lot of different things,” Gray said. “I get battle scenes, I get big speeches, but I also get more intimate moments.

   Alongside the core cast of Argonauts is a diverse set of mythological creatures and gods. As a result, the show has a large cast, and many members juggle multiple roles. According to assistant stage manager Gwen Chang, bringing the entire cast together for key scenes brightens up rehearsals.

   “There’s so much energy brought into rehearsals when it’s everyone called,” Chang said. 

   Chang attends most rehearsals to write down stage directions, record choreography and prompt actors. She’s optimistic about how the rehearsal process has been going. 

    “The actors have put in so much effort, the directors have put in so much effort, and I think it will really show when the play is being produced,” Chang said.

   Additionally, because music is a core element of the show, freshman Ellis Matula is composing a score that heightens the intensity and emotion in the play. 

   “As of today, [Matula]’s got about three-quarters of it scored,” Linza said. “He’s done a really phenomenal job of bringing [in] diverse genres.”   

   Argonautika will be performed at 7 p.m. from Nov. 2 through Nov. 4. For tickets, visit www.showtix4u.com/event-details/77759.