Lysistrata

Greek comedy is by character frankly coarse ad obscene. Radcliffe Idlers' have emasculated the script of Aristophanes' "Lysistrata," but without complete revision of script or ineptness of cast, the play is bound to be entertaining. This production, even without a finished polish, is successful.

After seven years of warfare the women of conflicting Greek nations band together to defeat their husband's greed by depriving them of something that men evidently desire more than riches and power--"sex." Idler's female players make it plain that the effect of their decision works two ways. But with much ado they manage to hold out longer than their husbands, and thus win an unqualified victory.

The essence of this production is its lightness and airiness but it would be even more so if some members of the cast were more confident. Milton Schlein, as the pompous Magistrate, enjoys the part, and so does buxom Martha Fontek, as Lampito. Virginia Carroll as Lysistrata occasionally forgets in the first act that comedy demands a fast and forceful delivery, but she plays with increased confidence in the second act.

James O'Neil, as the frustrated warrior, is superb in his slapstick role, and Joanna Brown, as his wife Myrrhine, handles the seduction scene quite aptly. The leader of the senile old men who oppose the younger and more virile warriors is well played by Michael Mabry.

Idler has managed to assemble for the cast a very attractive group of young women. Often, only their presence on stage is enough to add charm to the production. In fact, the Goddess of Peace, Alice Walsh, speaks not a word, but she shines when the leader of the old men gently spanks her at the end of the play and says, "Indeed, there's a fine bottom to this Peace."