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Alex Nemiroski
(Choreographer) is
honored to return to
T@F who cast him in
his first show 3 years
ago! Since then his
choreography and
dancing have been
featured at Turtle Lane
(West Side Story, Jo-
seph), Reagle (My Fair
Lady), Harvard
(Chicago), and
Unreliable Narrator (2010: Our Hideous Future). Special thanks to his inspiration RB!
Maren Reisch (Stage Manager) celebrates her second show with T@F and her first as a
stage manager. It's great to be doing something where 'bossy' and 'loud' are assets!
Thanks to the cast for putting up with my giggles at every rehearsal; thanks to my
wonderful family and friends who understand the phrase "I can't, I have rehearsal"
better than most; and most of all thanks to John, for giving me this job.
Gilly Rosenthol (Graphic Design) has been part of T@F since 2004, most recently
performing in The Vagina Monologues. Elsewhere in Camberville, she worked as a stage
hand on the epic 150-performer show Beck's Song Reader at the Somerville Theatre,
and designed for and acted in the Everything is Evil old-fashioned revival and burlesque
show at Club Oberon. You can keep up with her design work at facebook.com/
RosentholDesign.
Elizabeth Ryan (Costume Designer) has worked on enough T@F shows that she is now
repurposing costumes from past shows. She has recently discovered an interest in soft
sculpture. She would like to thank the fabulous Sharon, and everyone else who helped
me through the process. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you.
Kria Sakakeeny (Myrrhiné) makes her debut performance with T@F. Kria spent the last
ten years mastering the role of broadcast TV reporter for NBC and ABC news affiliates
throughout New England. As a member of the American Federation of TV and Radio
Actors her voice has been heard on FRONTLINE, in the Boston Science Museum, and on
WGBH’s Descriptive Video Service for the Blind.
Zeph Stewart (Make-up/Hair Designer) has worked with T@F on Festival@First: Shaken-
Up Shakespeare, As You Like It, Pride & Prejudice and Bent. She is grateful to Arwen for
all her help and encouragement, and for this opportunity to take the reins. Quick
shout-out to her boys and family!
Lisa Sturgeon (Boeotian Woman) is very happy to be acting in her second show with
T@F, after playing Mary Bennet in Pride & Prejudice last year. She would like to thank
everyone who pushed her on stage yet again. You know who you are. And this is all
your fault.
Andy Lebrun (Phaedrias/Dancer) returns to this glorious church basement! He's been in
10 plays since being A Nice Danish Boy here, two of which (The Bakery & Pride and
Prejudice) were with T@F. It's always a pleasure to work and play with this wonderful
group of people, which is why this is his 15th show with them!
Shelley MacAskill (Light Board Operator) is known for her bawdy double entendres,
making a name for herself in vaudeville and on the New York stage before moving to
Hollywood to become a comedienne, actress and writer in the motion picture industry.
Wait, no, that was Mae West. As with Ms. West, goodness has nothing to do with it.
Dan McConvey (Herald) has appeared in T@F’s production of Bent as Wolf and in the
Bare Bones production of Julie Johnson.
Jason Merrill (Laconian Envoy/Dancer) is very excited at the chance to do some serious
dancing. Jason is a long-time veteran of T@F, having last appeared as the Captain in
Bent; he promises not to be as evil in this show. Jason's off-stage roles include GNU C++
maintainer at Red Hat and Alice's Dada.
Doug Miller (Laches) has performed regularly with T@F, in roles including Mr Bennet
from Pride & Predjudice, Vinnie Pliers in the Brush Up Your Shakespeare segment of
Festival@First: Shaken Up Shakespeare, Antigonus from The Winter’s Tale, and Leonato
in Much Ado About Nothing. He wants you to know that the women of Lemnos were
cursed by Aphrodite. They were stinky and their husbands slept with Thracian women.
So the Lemnian women murdered their husbands. Presumably their fires were also
stinky & unpleasant.
Sharon Neely (Costume Assistant) has been tactilely inclined from a young age. Over
the course of her life she has dabbled in sewing, knitting, dyeing, felting, embroidery,
netting, and is an avid squeezer of yarn and feeler of satin. And no, it's not weird. Really.
Know what? You don't have to watch if you're that uncomfortable.
DIRECTOR’S NOTEDIRECTOR’S NOTEDIRECTOR’S NOTEDIRECTOR’S NOTE
I could go on for pages, as others have, about the original intent of
Aristophanes’ Lysistrata. It’s true, for example, that it was never intended
as a feminist work. The idea of women in power would have been
completely ridiculous to the average Athenian in 411 B.C.E, when the play
was first produced, and is only used here as a hook to draw the audience in
to see an anti-war play. This of course deserves to be known and honored
in academic circles, but tonight we deal with Lysistrata as a piece of living
art, and living art was always meant to grow and change.
This production is very much about the individual. For one thing, instead of
choruses who speak in unison and are defined as one character each, you’ll
see a group of entirely unique people who speak in turn and make their
own thoughts heard. The women in the show are especially meant to stand
out. They have been costumed and characterized with the hope that you’ll
see your friends, neighbors, mothers and sisters all strutting across the
stage. Everyone knows a Calonicé or a Lampito.
More important than just seeing the individuals, however, is seeing what
they’re doing. What I hope to show you here tonight is that ordinary
people can be extraordinary. All it takes is for one person to stand up and
make her voice heard. Sometimes, the effect is a massive power shift and,
as Lysistrata says, “the gods will set above what was erst below.” I hope
you find the Lysistrata within yourself tonight and the knowledge that no
one—man, woman or other—has ever brought about real change by
staying quiet.
John Deschene March 2013
SPECIAL THANKSSPECIAL THANKSSPECIAL THANKSSPECIAL THANKS
• to Betty Walker and Unity Somerville for hosting our production
• to James Scheffler, Drea Brandford and Leon Marr for lending costume items
• to Darxus for help with makeup and hair
• to Idony Lisle for getting us started and helping so much along the way
To all of the friends, family and volunteers who make our work possible, and
to our audience—without you, we wouldn’t be here!
PRODUCTION STAFFPRODUCTION STAFFPRODUCTION STAFFPRODUCTION STAFF
Producer/House Manager Chris DeKalb
Director John Deschene
Choreographer Alex Nemiroski
Technical Director Pat Hayes
Stage Manager Maren Reisch
Set Designer Jo Guthrie
Lighting Designer Hilary Caplan
Lighting Board Operator Shelley MacAskill
Sound Designer Nellie Farrington
Costume Designer Elizabeth Ryan
Costume Assistant Sharon Neely
Props Coordinator Cat Bryant
Run Crew Chris Junno
Meg Dolben
Make-Up/Hair Designer Zeph Stewart
Make-Up/Hair Assistants Jacqueline Bennett
Graphic Design Gilly Rosenthol
Publicity Manager Lori-Anne Cohen
Program Layout Elizabeth Hunter
Hallyann Gifford (Calycé/Dancer) is thrilled to be working with the wonderful and
talented people of T@F for the first time. She has been a performer, director, writer,
designer, whatever, in numerous productions around the region. She teaches Drama at
Hopkinton MS. Hallyann thanks her students, her family, and T@F. Enjoy the show!
Michael Glicksman (Athenian Negotiator/Dancer) is thrilled to be a part of this raunchy
spectacle. His most recent roles include Levi in Joseph, Rode in The Three Sisters, and
Mr. Mayor in Seussical, all at the Footlight Club in JP. Thanks to everyone!
Jenny Gutbezahl (Stratyllis) is delighted to be working again with T@F after having been
cast in their productions in roles ranging from a sarcastic cricket to Lady MacBeth.
When not performing, she can be found brewing beer, constructing crossword puzzles,
herding winners at the Ig Nobel awards, or putting together playlists for mixcloud.
Jo Guthrie (Set Designer) is grateful to be part of T@F's 41st production and honored to
be asked. She still can't get over the fact that this dream is still running its course nine
years later.
Pat Hayes (Technical Director) will next appear as Pythagoras in the original musical,
Pythagoras: King of the Square Root . He’s enjoyed working on Lysistrata but is excited
for a new challenge. He wishes to thank John and Lori-Anne for encouraging him in his
love of musical theatre.
Jared Hite (Cinesias) makes his third appearance with T@F, following As You Like It and
Pride & Prejudice. He also performs audio theatre with PMRP. He wonders what it says
that all three of the comedic roles he has played so far have involved sex jokes. It's
probably just a coincidence. Special thanks to all the people whose support has gotten
him to where he is today.
Sarah Josselyn (Anagyran Woman/Dancer) brings her years of dance training and
burlesque experience to T@F's production of Lysistrata. She has performed in
Slutcracker since its debut in 2008 and is a member of Rogue Burlesque, having just
danced in two shows of Film Strip! at Oberon in Harvard Square. When not onstage,
Sarah is found with her cat, Ansel, wreaking havoc all throughout greater Camberville.
Chris Junno (Run Crew) was born in Northampton, studied at BU, and currently lives in
Somerville. He thanks his parents, friends, and T@F for this wonderful opportunity. Let
the Lysistratment begin!
Chris DeKalb (Producer/House Manager) is glad to be helping out with T@F’s first
Greek comedy. When he’s not playing with spreadsheets and selling soda he’s a
project manager for Books24x7.com.
John Deschene (Director) is thrilled to bring Lysistrara to T@F! Previous onstage credits
include Bent (Greta) and Pride & Prejudice (Lady Catherine). "Thanks to all involved!
This production is dedicated to the memory of Evelyn Golini who, in addition to being
an awesome grandmother, was one of the strongest women I've ever known."
Meg Dolben (Run Crew) has recently graduated from Connecticut College and works as
a freelance theater technician in Boston. She is a Disney-fanatic who enjoys Ultimate
Frisbee, singing, playing pool, and Diet Coke. Special thanks to SM extraordinaire Maren
for involving her in this production!
Daniel Dolinov (Philurgus/Dancer) is thrilled to be on stage once again with his fellow
Firsties. While he is a bit apprehensive about making a dancing debut (unlike with
acting, as reliable sources confirm that Daniel's acting started at a pre-natal stage), he is
thankful for the support from Alex and his fellow dancers, who helped, supported, and
did not complain. Most of all, Daniel is grateful to his beloved life partners, Kamela and
Liz, without whom nothing is quite possible (and certainly not worth the time).
Leslie Drescher (Lysistrara) Leslie Drescher thinks we can all learn from the lesson of
Lysistrara: with a little perseverance and lots of boners, peace is achieved.
Brian Edgar (Magistrate) returns to the stage as the Athenian Magistrate. He has hoped
to be in a production of this show since he was in high school and is grateful to John for
the opportunity. Much gratitude also to Alex for his extreme patience with our lack of
dancing talent.
Nellie Farrington (Sound Engineer) is having a gloriously theater-ful winter. She had a
blast acting in T@F's The Vagina Monologues and Hovey Players' 24 Hour Theater Festi-
val; all things sound for Lysistrara is a new experience (though only a hop, skip and a
jump away from Foley for PMRP's Tomes of Terror: New Arrivals). Now it's just a matter
of surviving the theater of teaching another semester of mathematics at Mass. Mari-
time Academy.
Lou Fuoco (Strymodorous) makes his first appearance with T@F. Previous credits
include The Boys Next
Door, Butterflies Are
Free and The Odd Cou-
ple. On the big screen
you can see him in the
Mob comedy Conned
available on Netflix. His
wonderful family and
the memory of his
beloved wife inspire all
his acting endeavors.
WEEKLY AUTHOR EVENTS
CASTCASTCASTCAST
Lysistrata Leslie Drescher
Stratyllis Jenny Gutbezahl
Strymodorus Lou Fuoco
Magistrate Brian Edgar
Myrrhiné Kria Sakakeeny
Cinesias Jared Hite
Calonicé Andrea Aptecker
Lampito/Dancer Brigid A. Battell
Nicodicé Lori-Anne Cohen
Calycé/Dancer Hallyann Gifford
Ismenia Liz Adams
Philurgus/Dancer Daniel Dolinov
Phaedrias/Dancer Andy Lebrun
Laches Doug Miller
Athenian Negotiator/Dancer Michael Glicksman
Laconian Envoy/Dancer Jason Merrill
Herald/Dancer Understudy Dan McConvey
Corinthian Woman/Dancer Sara Burd
Boeotian Woman Lisa Sturgeon
Anagyran Woman/Dancer Sarah Josselyn
SYNOPSISSYNOPSISSYNOPSISSYNOPSIS
Act I
The women of Greece, once happy in their marriages, feel abandoned because their
husbands are always at war. A young Athenian woman, Lysistrata, calls a meeting of
women from all warring states and puts forth a proposition: the women must withhold
sex until the men become so desperate, “they will hasten to make peace.” The other
women are reluctant until Lampito, a Spartan woman, decides that Lysistrata’s plan is
the only option. Lysistrata and the women then take up residence in the Acropolis and
lay claim to the treasury, ending all funding of the war.
It isn’t long before Strymodorus and his crew of “doddering greybeards” rise up against
the women, but Stratyllis and her posse of old ladies stand posted outside the acropolis,
ready to defend their young comrades. They are joined by the Magistrate, a high-
ranking politician, who enters into a fierce debate with Lysistrata. Lysistrata makes her
case for ending the war, citing that men make foolish decisions that endanger not only
their own safety, but the safety of all Greek citizens. The Magistrate and the old men,
finding themselves without a strong argument, exit in a huff.
Once alone, Lysistrata confesses her worries to Stratyllis: the women have all been
trying to escape to go back home to their husbands. This is illustrated as three more try
to escape, each giving a more ridiculous excuse than the last. Lysistrata brings them
back to order by reciting (improvising) an ancient prophecy that clearly states that the
women must stick together if change is to occur. As the act comes to a close, we see
couples from all around Greece acting out Lysistrata’s sex strike.
Act II
Much to Strymodorus’ dismay, the old men are finding it increasingly difficult to stand
their ground, especially when tempted by Stratyllis. Meanwhile, Cinesias arrives at the
acropolis hoping to reclaim his wife, Myrrhiné. After being reminded of her promise to
deny her husband all favors, Myrrhini teases Cinesias mercilessly to vote for peace.
Later, the Magistrate, disgusted by the state of Athens’ young men, encounters a herald
from Sparta who reveals that the sex strike is taking place not just in Athens, but all
over Greece. The Magistrate decides that there is no help for the situation except to
bring envoys together to negotiate a peace treaty. Stratyllis and Strymodorus enter and
reveal that they are tired of fighting with each other. After a flirtatious interchange, the
two decide to “regard each other no longer as enemies.”
An envoy from Sparta arrives and negotiations for peace begin. Lysistrata plays the
temptress to both the Atheians and the Spartans, eventually bringing them to a very
satisfying agreement. All are invited into the acropolis for a celebratory feast. As the
show draws to a close, the cast performs a joyous “dance in honor of a victory won.”
BIOSBIOSBIOSBIOS
Liz Adams (Ismenia) is delighted to finally work with her friend John, and tickled to be
performing with such a terrific cast. Last seen singing in Christmas Revels at Sanders
Theatre, Liz will be appearing next in PMRP's Spring Sci-Fi Spectacular. She is grateful to
her children for being generally awesome; Kamela, Matt, Meaghan, Dad, everyone else
who’s been so supportive and encouraging; dear Steve (X!); and most of all, thanks her
beloved Daniel.
Andrea Aptecker (Calonicé) is thrilled by the opportunity John has given her and de-
lighted to work with such a talented and welcoming cast and crew in her first T@F pro-
duction. Andrea would like to thank everyone for allowing Charlie the black lab to at-
tend rehearsals, even though he was at times perplexed and vaguely scandalized by
what he witnessed on stage.
Brigid A. Battell (Lampito) can kick your ass. This is her second time onstage with T@F,
having been seen previously as Lizzy Bennet. (Pride & Prejudice) Other local credits
include Titania/Hippolyta, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Concord Players); Penelope
Toop, See How They Run (Cannon Theatre); Rose Mundy, Dancing at Lughnasa (AFD).
Brigid dedicates this performance to all women touched by war, but especially her
sisters, SPC Grainne Widenor and SGT Caitlin Battell (retired). Special thanks to Alex for
letting her dance.
Jacqueline Bennett (Make-up Assistant) made her T@F debut last year as Charlotte
Lucas in Pride & Prejudice and is excited to move behind the T@F scenes for the first
time. Jacqueline likes make-up and when not running late or feeling lazy even wears it
herself.
Cat Bryant (Props Manager) joins T@F for a second time, having been props manager
for Pride & Prejudice. She also runs the non-profit Boston Bike Film Festival (now in its
9th year!), and when people ask, she says “Yes, it's films about cycling!” Cat also works
as a telecom analyst for another non-profit in Boston.
Sara Burd (Corinthian Woman/Dancer) is happy to be rejoining T@F after a few years
away from the stage. She previously appeared as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing,
Evelyn in Rimers of Eldritch, and Somnia in Never After; and as Carmilla with PMRP .
Sara lives with her beloved husband in Cambridge and is excited to play the best role of
her life as a new mom this August! John 3:16 .
Hilary Caplan (Lighting Designer) has enjoyed working on lights for T@F over the past
three years, designing for shows at both Unity Somerville and the Somerville
Theater. When not blinding actors, she spends her time playing Bananagrams, drinking
tea, and telling middle schoolers how to use the semicolon.
Lori-Anne Cohen (NIcodicé/Publicity Manager) This is Lori-Anne's third show with T@F
as Publicity maven and her second with them as a performer. Lori-Anne also performed
in last October's Tomes of Terror: New Arrivals for PMRP. She’s excited to be channeling
her inner fight club for this show and wishes to thank friends and family for their
support. She also wishes to thank the MBTA for getting her to rehearsals on time!