“Lysistrata” tells the story of the legendary Athenian, Lysistrata, who calls upon the women of Greece to help put an end to the Peloponnesian War. In order to do so, the women come up with an ingenious plan! No spoilers here, you will have to attend the production to see what this plan is and how they present it to their husbands! Inspired by Aristophanes and adapted by Ellen McLaughlin, “Lysistrata” is directed by award-winning actor/director Rufus Bonds Jr., and runs from April 12-May 5, 2019 in the Hallberg Theatre on campus.
Aristophanes is the most famous writer of Old Comedy plays in ancient Greece and his innovative and biting comedy often reveals sophisticated digs at the political elite and deal pointedly with the role of women in society. Aristophanes plays also include “The Frogs,” “Peace,” “The Clouds,” “Assembly of Women” and “The Birds.” Ellen McLaughlin’s plays have received numerous national and international productions. They include “Iphigenia and Other Daughters,” “The Trojan Women,” and the recent, critically acclaimed “Septimus and Clarissa.” She has been produced by the Public Theater, The National Actors’ Theater and New York Theater Workshop in NYC, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Director Rufus Bonds Jr. is a director, actor and writer who has played Porgy in “Porgy and Bess” in London, performed as a baritone soloist at Carnegie Hall and appeared on Broadway in “Parade” and “Rent.” Mr. Bonds is a Eugene O’Neill finalist, Ovation Award-winner, Drama Desk Nominee and NAACP Award-winner. He received a lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama.
The cast of “Lysistrata” includes Hayden Allcorn, Sidney Aptaker, Mykah Atkins, Michelle Bachman, Beylul Ephrem, Rachel Fosnaugh, Natalie Giannosa, Kira Jamison, Peri Kolodziej, Olivia Kridle, Yoni Kruvi, Nate Lynn, Noah Michal, Alison Kamishiro Parsons, Dawson Power, Jessica Schreiber, Robyn Stephenson, Josh Stover, Matt Valencia, and Ronan Walsh
The set design is by Morgan Badillo, costume design is by Whitney Claytor, lighting design is by Gary DeVault, sound design is by Nichole Baffone, and hair/makeup design is by Lauren Weidman.
“Lysistrata” plays at 8pm on April 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, and May 2, 3, 4 and at 2pm on April 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, and May 4, 5. General admission tickets are $14 ($12 with advance Titan Discount purchase for students, seniors or with a CSUF ID). All tickets are $14 at the door. Tickets are available by calling (657) 278-3371, 11am-5pm, Monday through Friday, or online.
Following “Lysistrata,” mean girls, Heather, Heather and Heather, rule Westerberg High School in the London hit, “Heathers The Musical.” Misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects the evil regime for her dark, dangerous new boyfriend, J.D., who plans to put the Heathers where they belong—six feet under. “Heathers The Musical” features book, music, and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, and direction by James R. Taulli. The production runs from April 19-May 5, 2019 in the Young Theatre on campus.
(Left to Right) Olivia Kridle, Kira Jamison, Hayden Allcorn, Jessica Schreiber, and Michelle Bachman in Cal State Fullerton’s “Lysistrata” directed by Rufus Bonds Jr., playing April 12-May 5 in the Hallberg Theatre on the CSU, Fullerton campus. Photo by “Jordan Kubat Photography” .
2019 SPRING CALENDAR LISTINGS
“Heathers The Musical”
Book, Music & Lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe
Based on the Film by Daniel Waters
Directed By James R. Taulli, Choreography By Courtney Ozovek
Young Theatre
California State University, Fullerton
8 pm: April 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, May 2, 3, 4; 2 pm: April 27, 28, May 4, 5
“Spring Dance Theatre”
Coordinated by Gladys Kares
Little Theatre
California State University, Fullerton
8 pm: May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11; 2 pm: May 5, 12
Media Contact: Jim Volz
