BWW Reviews: Intiman's LYSISTRATA Puts Interesting Twist on Classic Tale of War

This is not your Grandfather's "Lysistrata". It's not even your Great great great great (you get the idea) Grandfather's version. The Intiman has taken this classic Anti-War story and amped it up to 11 making it resonate with modern sensibilities and given it a hard hitting ending that you won't soon forget.

Yes, it's still the same story. Fearing that the wars across Greece will never end, the women, led by Lysistrata (Shontina "Tina" Vernon) have devised a simple plan. No more sex for their men until they end the war. And it's not just their local women; Lysistrata has convinced all the women across the land to do the same. They've even managed to capture the treasury so the men can't even pay for the war leaving them desperate and more than a little ... um ... unfulfilled. But like I said, this ain't your regular "Lysistrata". Sure, Aristophanes' story and much of the text is still there along with all the bawdy humor and hilarious ... er ... costume prosthetics. But what director Sheila Daniels and dramaturg Ali el-Gasseir have done is infused the play with modern language, tone and music (yes, there are a few musical numbers now). And all is set within the guise of a currently deployed company of soldiers trying to lighten spirits by performing the play for their company in the middle of a war zone.

In lesser hands this could end up very cliché and disastrous. And while some elements seemed to drag a bit, for the most part Daniels and el-Gasseir have brilliantly reworked this ancient text and made it ring true for current events.

The entire ensemble cast completely invest themselves in the tone, appear to be having a blast, and are superb. Vernon commands the stage whether invoking the Gods, inspiring her troops or belting out a modern day diva anthem. Kamaria Hallums-Harris as Lysistrata's close companion Myrrhine adds into that strong sassy woman mentality but still keeps her own character alive and separate from Vernon's. Tim Gouran as Myrrhine's suffering husband Cinesias couldn't be more fun. From his blustering bravado, to his scheming, to his desperation to take care of his massive ... uh ... problem, he is an absolute joy to watch. Matt Reed is wonderful as the now powerless Archon and has some hysterical moves. And Charles Leggett and Marty Mukhalian as the inciters of the aging guard manage some absolutely sidesplitting antics one moment and some lovely tender scenes the next.

With some ingeniously innovative costumes from Harmony Arnold, the tone of the play stays goofily ribald right up to it's powerhouse ending. Daniels has once again shown herself off as a remarkable storyteller and her stirring adaptation, along with el-Gasseir, only serves to solidify that. I laughed throughout and had tears by the end of this stunning piece that deserves your attention.

"Lysistrata" performs at the Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center (formerly Intiman Playhouse) through September 12th. For tickets or information contact the Intiman box office at 206-441-7178 or visit them online at www.intiman.org.

Photo Credit: Chris Bennion

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