REVIEW: Laughter rings through ‘Lysistrata’

CEDAR RAPIDS - Quiet titters during Act I gave way to guffaws in Act II during Thursday's opening performance of 'Lysistrata” on the outdoor stage behind Brucemore mansion.

The Classics at Brucemore occasionally dips its toe in the comedic realm, but more often, stages serious, thought-provoking plays that may evoke tears of sorrow. This year's audiences will be wiping away tears of laughter and astonishment as the hilarity unfolds under the stars through July 22.

It's a date-night show, so grab a bottle of wine, pack a picnic and leave the kids at home. You'll blush if you bring them. You'll blush even if you don't bring them.

This is a bawdy, raw and raucous translation of Aristophanes' battle of the sexes. The original play debuted in Athens in 411 BC. This modern retelling plants one foot in Greece, while the other crosses back and forth between ancient and contemporary lingo, garb and props. Think ancient cloaks over gym shorts and T-shirts, a Hawaiian shirt and tennis shoes, a flip phone and an inflatable bed.

Modern ears will only trip over a couple of words here and there, and will easily understand what's going on.

The premise is pretty straightforward. Lysistrata is sick of the Peloponnesian War and hatches a plan to end it abruptly: get the women of Greece to withhold sex from their men until the fighting ends. It's a hard-sell, but she manages to gather enough women to take an oath and spread the word through their home sectors. Kudos to costumer and director Leslie Charipar for giving each young woman a distinctive look, from Goth to nymph to 'Hunger Games” huntress.

This is where the show gets a little talky. Short burst of mayhem and melodies help move it along, and after a scant 45 minutes, it's time for intermission. And another glass of wine.

The Greek chorus of Old Men and Old Women are a hoot, as they wage their own battles for the citadel, squabbling and tossing curses and water to douse the men's 'fogies' flambe” on their little red grill, which they mistakenly think will smoke out the women. Duane Larson is especially hilarious as the leader of the Old Men, with his blustery, feeble attempts to put the women back in their place.

But it's the men who clearly are the weaker sex, sorely underestimating the women's power.

Hannah Spina has the tough title role, where she must not only get across the gist of the story, but reel in the audience as well as the women. Her rubber face and grand gestures help. Jessica Link has the divine role of her mentor, Calonice, flinging over-the-top reactions from the opening scene, letting audience members know they're in for a wild ride.

Act II is where the comedy hurls itself into a full-frontal physical assault, thanks to John Miersen as Cinesias, who begs his wife to put him out of his obvious carnal misery.

The women's resolve begins to crack, but soon they're taking great glee as more men arrive in a miserable state. In the end, everyone is making merry, from the audience to the stage.

l Comments: (319) 368-8508; diana.nollen@thegazette.com

IF YOU GO

l What: Classics at Brucemore presents 'Lysistrata”

l Where: Peggy Boyle Whitworth Amphitheater behind Brucemore mansion, 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids

l When: 7:30 p.m. today to Saturday and July 20 to 22

l Tickets: $15 to $20 advance at Brucemore.org; $25 day of show at gate or (319) 362-7375

l Extras: Gates open 6:30 p.m.; bring blankets, chairs, picnics, beverages; no pets allowed

l Rating: Recommend for mature audiences