Director Kelly Thornton serves notice that she means business in the opening moments of the play when a thick layer of fog rolls forward from a rising curtain. The atmospheric nuances and physical fatuity that follow are stark reminders that innovation is by no means a lost art.

A fusion of comedic wit and daring dramatic episodes establishes a vibrant visual vibe not seen or felt around these parts for a long spell.

The Penelopiad, a theatrical re-invention of author Margaret Atwood’s take on The Odyssey, is a stylized examination of marriage and murder. It’s a cleverly woven presentation topped with sporadic giggle fodder as the narrative tracks the mythical journey of Penelope (Megan Follows) who copes with a life as a not-so-single mother for 20 years when her husband Odysseus (Kelli Fox) heads off to war.

There are some extraordinary funny scenes in the play including an erection parade that plunges into a pool in hot pursuit of a seductive young cousin.

Yet throbbingly good performances by an all-star cast is what makes this a most memorable experience.

Megan Follows is a perfect fit as a near perfect wife in what could be her best Toronto stage work to date. Kelli Fox’s lines are minimal as a combat crusader demanding absolute fidelity but she gets the job done with her mere presence alone. What’s more, the acting duo is untouchable in their delivery right up until the suitor slaying/house maid hanging conclusion.

A period play with modern day appeal, The Penelopiad is what happens when theatre’s critical elements come together in sublime harmony. Missing this one would greatly offend the theatre gods.