Denison University theatre's 2002-03 season will continue with the production of Aristophanes'Lysistrata,translated by Douglass Parker, at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday (Nov. 14 through 16) and Tuesday through Friday (Nov. 19 through 22) in Ace Morgan Theatre.

Transferred from ancient Greece to 1938 New York City, this marvelous comedy is retold as Mafia wives strike for peace from mob wars by using the most powerful weapon in their feminine arsenal.

This production is unique as senior Matthew Bolish is the first student to direct a mainstage production at Denison. In the past only Theatre II productions have been open to student directors. Theatre II productions are proposed by students as independent projects with a faculty advisor to watch over the play as an academic project. Bolish has opened a new door: "I asked the department if I could do anything else to get directing experience. I certainly wasn't expecting to direct an entire show."

Bolish took the 2,400-year-old play by Aristophanes and adapted it to the 20th century, using mob families (instead of Spartans and Athenians) in a fight for territory, with their wives refusing to give in to the "holy rites of Aphroditie" until a peace agreement is arranged. "We know the play is a proven text with a proven message. At the same time, we want to stretch the boundaries that don't necessarily require togas," said Bolish.

Associate Professor Peter Pauzé is the scenic and lighting designer for this production; senior Lauren Godburn (Meriden, Conn.) is the costume designer. Junior Jennifer McInnis (Antrim, N.H.) is the stage manager and senior David Michaels (Amherst) is the assistant stage manager.

The cast includes: seniors Scott Barsotti (Pittsburgh) as an Athenian mobster, Emily Horabick (Chardon) as Kleonike, and Melinda Hughes (Westlake) conducting her senior honors project in performance as Lysistrata; juniors Sarah Kronour (Lebanon) as Myrrhine, Leah Lombardo (Brecksville) as an Athenian policewoman, Rebecca Schenck (Pittsburgh) as an Athenian woman, Cassandra Smith (Sherwood, Ariz.) as a cook, Jeff Smith (Kansas City, Mo.) as a waiter, Mark Soloff (Pittsburgh) as the Commissioner of Public Safety, and Oma Turanchik (Columbus) as Ismenia/Peace; sophomores Elena Perantoni (Canfield) as a cook, Cara Scarmack (Lancaster) as Lampito and David Tyler (Chagrin Falls) as the Koryphaios of Men; and first-year students Marten Carlson (Franklin, Ind.) as a waiter, Nate Dieck (Chicago) as a Spartan Mafioso/police officer, Charlie Hauser (Carthage, Mo.) as Kinesias, Abby Nelson (Atlanta) as the Koryphaios of Women, and Drew Pannebecker (Florissant, Mo.) as a Spartan herald/police officer.

Tickets forLysistrataare $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and $4 for students of all ages. Call (740) 587-6527 to reserve tickets and for more information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

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