CSUF's LYSISTRATA Opens This Friday

"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, all women must refuse to have sex with their husbands until they agree to peace in Greece. 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, May 2, 3, 4 and at 2pm on April 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 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 at: http://www.fullerton.edu/arts/theatre/events/td_productions.php

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.