Three
Weeks review
Lysistrata’s
War
Lake Tahoe Community College
A cast of both young and old work in harmony to address the senselessness of war
amidst the power of love in this vibrant adaptation. Professional singing,
dancing, miming and acting is headed by an impressive Shannon Dolan as the
'Athenian ladies’ leader, Lysistrata. Clever and punchy modern lyrics are
delivered perfectly to the tune of popular melodies and with a fashionable
Athenian wardrobe in a show that engulfs an hour and twenty minutes in the best
way possible. The Greek world of corrupt politicians and ongoing war makes a
relevant commentary on the terrorism that threatens society today, a message
helped by a clever use of multimedia, giving a surprising sting in the tail. One
warning: sex is the word!
C too, 4 - 13 Aug, 8:50pm (10:10pm), £8.50 (£7.50), fpp 122
tw rating: 4/5
[EK]
Lysistrata's War
***
ZOË GREEN
C TOO (VENUE 4)
BASED on Aristophanes' comedy, this is a fun, feisty production by
Lake Tahoe Community College. Sparta and Athens are at war; everyone's
tired of it, especially the women. What can they do to bring peace?
Lysistrata has the answer: withhold the one thing their men can't live
without. Sex.
This company aren't the best singers in the world but they make up for
it in pace and attitude. The score, although simply arranged, has some
catchy tunes and the cast attack it with gusto, if not with absolute
accuracy. Songs such as On Top add a cheeky edge while more
worthy efforts propound the relentless message that war is an exercise
in hypocrisy.
The real stars of the show are Rhonda Keen, in the role of Calonice,
and Matt Ault as Philo, Calonice's husband. Their storyline provides a
darker edge to the plot and, while Keen's singing is leagues ahead of
everyone else's, Ault is the most convincing actor on the stage.
Until 13 August. Today 8.50pm
www.one4review.com
Lysistrata’s
War
Cast of Lysistrata's War promoting the show on the
Royal Mile.
Lake Tahoe Community College present Lysistrata's
War. Demonstrations against wars are as prevalent today as ever.
This show merges Greek tragedy, rock music and modern photographs of
atrocities.
The Athenians and Spartans are at constant war, and apart from the
wasteful killings, life is difficult for all. After a poignant
nightmare Lysistrata, an Athenian woman, comes up with a plan to stop
the war and bring the men home. As well as occupying the treasury
stopping the flow of cash to the front, she persuades all the women of
both nations to withhold all sexual favours to the men. This causes
havoc and turns the ruling body against her. Will she succeed? Will
the women hold out? Will the men stand for it.
The college have cast the show to the performers abilities and Shannon
Dolan as Lysistrata holds the piece together well. Other performances
worth noting are Melanie Zeid as an Athenian woman and Jesssica Howell
as a Spartan woman.
The show is very interesting, well performed, beautifully costumed and
they use the space in a constructive way.
***
(3 Stars)
Fringe Programme page number; 122
Company; Lake Tahoe Community College
VenueC Too St Columba's by the Castle
Venue number 4
Dates August 4th to 13th
Times 20-50 (8-50pm) to 22-10 (10-10pm)
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