In the mood for a good laugh? Wanting to support local theatre? Look no further than Boise State Theatre’s production of Lysistrata at the Morrison Center. Managed by and starring students in Boise State University’s theatre department, Lysistrata is a fresh and fast-paced take on the Ancient Greek play by Aristophanes. Besides the talented main cast, the production features a quintessential Greek chorus made up of students well-versed in improv, who utilize their skills in a pre-show improvisational performance.

The play is held in the Danny Peterson Theatre, an intimate black box theatre inside the Morrison Center. Staging the play in this particular venue makes for a totally immersive experience for the audience. “It is right up in your face,” primary stage manager Camille Wilcox said. “Anytime you think you can look away, there’s action happening. People are right there.” In this production, the actors will often interact with the audience, asking them questions and inviting dialogue. “You’re a part of the show,” Wilcox said.

Lysistrata’s comedy is the highlight of the show. While the play is somewhat short — only about an hour in length — it packs a punch and delivers on its promise to entertain. Stage manager Robyn Gorder predicted the audience’s reaction to the show. “I think people’s stomachs are going to hurt,” Gorder said. Her favorite scene is one between Myrrhine, an Athenian woman, and Cinesias, her husband. According to her, the actors’ comedic timing was so impeccable that dress rehearsals were disrupted by laughter. “Sometimes we had to just stop what we were doing because we were just laughing so hard,” she said. Apart from the comedy, the sets, props, and costumes reflect the beauty of Lysistrata. Props manager Zeke Griffin commented on the artistic aspects of the production. “There are so many really cool pieces of set and props,” he said. Audience members will not only laugh out loud but also marvel at the stunning set design. “The beauty in the show is really complementary of the comedy,” Griffin said.

Lysistrata opens at the Morrison Center tonight, October 17th, in the Danny Peterson Theatre at 7:30 PM. There will then be shows on the 18th at 7:30 PM and the 19th at 2:00 PM. After a short break, performances will resume the 23rd through the 25th at 7:00 PM and the 26th at 2:00 PM.