Lysistrata Jones
by Rob Stevens
[Read review on Stage Happenings]
The Greek playwright Aristophanes’ anti-war comedy LYSISTRATA was first performed in Athens, Greece in 411 B.C., during the Peloponnesian War. For nearly 2500 years, it has been revived by societies around the world during times of war or political unrest. In 2011 playwright Douglas Carter Beane adapted it for the short-lived Broadway musical LYSISTRATA JONES. Anaheim’s Chance Theatre is presenting the West Coast Premiere through March 9 in their new performing space.
Beane’s book received a Tony nomination and rightly so, cleverly adding jokes featuring everything from Amelia Earhart to Kitty Dukakis. He deftly transitioned the action from B.C. Greece to modern day academia, keeping the characters’ Greek names. The setting is Athens College whose basketball team hasn’t won a game in 33 years. The players don’t want to overtax themselves during the game; they’d rather save their energies for the after party with their girlfriends. New transfer student Lysistrata (her parents were theatre geeks) wants to be part of a winning culture. First she starts a cheerleading squad; then she dates the head jock. Still the team keeps losing. When she meets the poetry slamming library assistant Robin and is introduced to Aristophanes’ play she gets militant. She gets the girls to take a pledge to “No More Givin’ It Up” to the basketball team until they win. Their battle of the sexes needs some help so the girls visit a local bordello, The Eros Motor Lodge, seeking advice from the leading prostitute.
Lewis Flinn wrote the music and Beane provided the lyrics for the songs which range from hip-hop to ballads, well played by the four-piece band led by Musical Director Rod Bagheri. The voices of the cast are aided by amplification and harmonize well in the choral portions. Individually the strongest voice belongs to Devon Hadsell in the leading role. She has energy and pizazz to spare. Camryn Zelinger nails the comedy in her dual role as the Greek muse and modern day courtesan. Ashley Arlene Nelson is also a standout as Robin. The rest of the cast proves charming.
Kari Hayter’s direction keeps the momentum flowing smoothly and she keeps the energy level of her cast on high. The production’s main asset is the lively and peppy choreography by Kelly Todd which is well executed by the cast of twelve. Matt Schleicher’s lighting design is another highlight. The show is a slight piece of fluff but very enjoyable fluff.
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