Last Chance to Catch ‘LIZASTRATA’ Online

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

For those who missed the sold-out in-person iteration, the online version of Getty Villa’s “LIZASTRATA” will be available for viewing through November 28 at 11:59 p.m.

“Tickets for the in-person production of ‘LIZASTRATA’ sold out almost immediately, but here’s your chance to see what the critics raved about,” according to the Getty Villa website. “‘LIZASTRATA ONLINE!’ brings the Troubadour Theater Company to you.”

Based on Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata,” which was originally performed in Athens in 411 BCE, the show was directed and adapted by Matt Walker. The in-person shows ran September 9 through October 2 in the outdoor theater at Getty Villa.

“In this hilarious, musical retelling of one of history’s greatest theatrical offerings, ‘LIZASTRATA’ takes on the establishment, storms the Acropolis and holds the treasury hostage until the long-warring men of Athens and Sparta commit to declaring peace,” according to a synopsis. “Her strategy? All the women go on a sex strike. Set to a mash-up of Liza Minelli’s greatest hits, the talented Troubie triple-threats perform song and dance for a deliciously irreverent romp. No sequin will be spared.”

Cloie Wyatt Taylor takes on the role of Lizastrata, with L.T. Martinez as Calonice, Rick Batalla as Myrrhine/Spartan Herald and Suzanne Jolie as Ojai Army/Reconciliation. Other roles are filled by Amanda Pajer, Jess Coffman, Beth Kennedy and Michael Faulkner.

The four members of the band are Dave Wright, Ryan Whyman, John Ballinger and Nick Stone.

Troubadour Theater Company and Getty Villa have a long-standing history, with past performances including “Haunted House Party” in 2016 or one of their Theater Lab productions—which are well-known plays, set to the music of performers ranging from Elvis to ABBA.

“During COVID, they produced our first virtual program, ‘The ODDyssey,’ Homer’s epic tale in five webisodes,” according to a statement from J. Paul Getty Museum Director Timothy Potts in the program for the show. “In each instance, the Troubies created memorable mashups in the way that only they can. We’re thrilled to welcome the Troubies back to the Getty Villa. Our hats off to Matt Walker and his troupe for having so brilliantly reinterpreted classic plays for modern audiences.”

The show, which contains sexual language, situations and imagery that is not recommended for viewers under the age of 15, runs for approximately 90 minutes. It is free to watch, with registration at getty.edu/museum/programs/performances/lizastrata_online.html.