The second showing of “Lysistrata” on gave students a story about a group of women who want to deny their husbands sex so that they will vote for peace to end the war in Greece. The actors did a fine job of giving students a night of laughter and excitement with excellent acting and a wonderful story.
While the show was crude, it wasn’t too crude for college students. It had enough crude humor for the audience to laugh at and sometimes relate to, yet not so much to where it would make the audience feel uncomfortable. It was probably not appropriate for people not of college age.
The best parts of the show were the comedy, and Houston Pokorny when he had an erection and wanted his wife, Myrrhine, played by Sarah Chong Harmer, to help him with it. Unfortunately for him, she couldn’t because she took an oath and swore not to.
There was almost never a dull moment in this play. The static set, which had a classic beach theme, was well lit, and the humor helped students relax. It was a positive play, so there was no dark lighting or tone of voice. The sound was upbeat.
The costumes were a tad scandalous for that time (1950s), but they weren’t bad for today’s society.
Students attending were laughing throughout the play and were really interested in the story, even after they found it was originally performed in classical Athens in 411 BC. The play never took itself too seriously.
While there were a lot of good things about the play, there were also some negatives, including the old men chorus’ failed attempt at comedy. Alexander Collins, Shannon Howerton, Jr., Joey McGinn, and Jonathon Stone, was that funny. They seemed like they tried too hard, and in return, didn’t get too many laughs.
The play was a tad confusing during one scene when the old men chorus came out with torches and put them along the pier and along both sides of the stage. I’m not sure if they were symbolic of something, but that part, unlike the rest of the play, left me confused, not laughing.
Overall, I would give the play a 7.5 out of 10 and make it recommended viewing.
MORE READING: 50’s beach theme brings lighthearted fun to 2,500-year-old play
UPCOMING SHOWS
- March 11-12, 7:30 p.m.
- March 13, 2:30 p.m.
