University of Cincinnati junior Allison Sell takes the title role in the College-Conservatory of Music's Elektra playing Thursday through Sunday in Patricia Corbett Theater. It's a very modern take on Sophocles' ancient Greek tragedy about a woman unjustly imprisoned and still seething over her father's murder by her mother and her mother's lover (modern text by Ezra Pound, video by Richard Carwood and original music by Michael Fiday). Always expect big ideas and results from director Nick Mangano.

Sell paused from all the high drama to answer these questions:

What's Elektra's girl power?

Allison Sell in the title role of CCM's Elektra. (Mark Lyons photo)

Elektra's a little off her rocker from a normal standpoint, but she has more power than any other character in the play, including her mother, the queen. She has a disregard for public opinion and an attitude laced with masculinity - she enables herself to keep her wits about her even in her darkest moments.

Does she have a happy ending?

Her standpoint on life is, "Let the world say, think and act toward me how they choose, as long as I get my way in the end." And she does. Definitely a happy ending.

Your five-year plan?

My lifelong goal is Broadway, but the more I think about it, L.A. may be my ticket there. I'll be acting wherever life takes me. I'll consider myself successful when I can fully support myself by acting.

Favorite place to hear live music?

The Blue Wisp has some of the best live jazz around. My friends and I try to plan girls' nights out there.

Favorite Graeter's flavor?

Chocolate peanut butter. Great tastes separately, but better together.

How high are your heels?

I actually own a pair of 7 1/2-inchers, and yes, I do wear them. I'm short. What can I say?

Why is she the one?

"Elektra isn't that poor girl who cries all the time," notes director Nick Mangano. "She keeps the memory of her father and the way he died alive - that's a rebellious and heroic act. It needs a woman who is very strong. The actress needs to be able to go through emotional paces and sustain the performance.

"I hadn't directed Allison before. When she auditioned, I opened my eyes and said, 'Oh!' She puts me in mind of an '80s performance art rebel."

What's next?

Another job, hopefully, but right now I have my work cut out for me and I'm just trying to enjoy this day-to-day. The most important things in my life have all happened unexpectedly and I'm not one to mess with something that's working.

Deal of the week: Dinner and a show for less than $20. All tickets to the Wednesday night preview of Elektra are $10. (Call the box office at 556-4183). Have dinner first in the industrial chic MarketPointe at Siddall Hall just across the plaza from CCM. The better-than-serviceable buffet is $6.99. (And that's every evening, by the way.)

E-mail jdemaline@enquirer.com