Lysistrata Jones

          Sex is probably the oldest and most powerful weapon on earth. The ancient Greeks knew it, and so was born a legend (and a play). Lysistrata is one of the oldest surviving pieces of Greek theater. What better platform to base a musical on? Douglas Carter Beane (The Little Dog Laughed, Sister Act) and  Lewis Flynn have concocted a "High School Musical" of Greek proportions.

         Lysistrata Jones updates the classic tale to our modern times and centers around a new girl at Athens University named (Lyssie J for short) and her attempt to turn around the mens basketball team (who hasn't won a game in 30 years) by convincing all the girls not to 'give it up' until they win. Basketball, comedy, and show tunes ensue.

       The book is one of the smartest, laugh inducing, and relevant librettos to surface on Broadway for some time. I would be looking for Mr. Beane to be nominated (and possibly even win) a Tony for this stellar book filled with quotable one liners and seamless pop culture references. The music is catchy, up beat, modern, and altogether fun.

     Casting could not have been more perfect. As Lysistrata Jones Patti Murin goes deeper that the shallow blank exterior and gives us a Lyssie J that is passionate, funny, and human. Josh Segarra as Mick has the difficult job of making the audience like a character who isn't very nice, but he succeeds. Jason Tam and Lindsay Nicole Chambers shine as two nerdy folks desperate for love (though Ms. Chambers does appear to be a bit too old).

   The rest of the supporting cast (it's not really fair to call them supporting when there are only 12 people in the show) is fantastic. A special mention must be maid of Liz Mikel making her Broadway debut as Hetaira, as Greek Chorus/brothel Madame with one of the funniest reveals I've ever seen. From the moment Ms. Mikel steps onstage you know that you can count on her to be the shit. And she delivers every time she is on stage. If any woman in any Broadway production could count on a Tony nomination this season it would be Liz Mikel.

   Sadly, despite Lysistrata Jones being one of the most well crafted musicals to hit the Broadway stage in many years, it closed on Broadway on January 8th 2012. Due to it's small, young cast, and minimal set requirements  I would expect to see Lysistrata Jones pop up at a College campus or regional theater near you as soon as it becomes available for licensing. When it does, do not miss it!