The cast for Vanguard Theatre’s upcoming production of Aristophones’ play Lysistrata was named last Friday. Auditions were held on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week in the Harriet Fulton Theatre in the Fine Arts Building.

Jennifer Horbelt will play the lead role of Lysistrata, an Athenian woman who is tired of war and the role of women in Athens. She takes it upon herself to find a solution for these social problems in a rather unconventional way, withholding sexual favors from the Spartan and Athenian husbands.

Regarding her role in Lysistrata, Horbelt said, “I’m really excited about Lysistrata because she’s a strong woman, a leader and she’s feisty too! So, she’ll be a fun character to play.”

This will be the veteran actress’s sixth play at UTM. Horbelt has also acted in two summer plays in Kentucky with Twilight Cabaret Productions. In addition to acting, Horbelt was stage manager for Vanguard Theater’s performance of Animal Farm in the fall of 2004 and did the lighting for Durang, Durang in the spring of 2006.

Other characters in Lysistrata include Myrrhine, played by Natalie Horbelt, and Kinesias, played by Tim Williams. Myrrhine is the second strongest woman in the play, next to Lysistrata, and partakes in the scheme by withholding sexual favors from her husband, Kinesias.

“I consider it a privilege to be in Lysistrata. I’m extremely excited that I got the role as Kinesias. I’ve read the play and am very eager,” said Williams.

Katie Mercuri will play Kleonike, Lysistrata’s next-door neighbor and the first to show up for her meeting of women. Ana Shaw will play Lampito, the representative of the Spartan women. Ashlee Johnson will play Ismenia, a Boeotian girl. The policewoman will be played by Latonya Mays.

The leader of the men’s chorus will be played by Matthew Maitland. The chorus of old men will consist of Derrick Casey, Harry A. Bond, Tony Liberty and Nick Mounts.

The leader of the women’s chorus will be played by Mary Beth French. The chorus of old women will consist of Anne Albrecht, Kendra Ball, Megan Hollis and Annie Pelfrey.

The commissioner of public safety will be played by Jonathon Johnson. The policemen will consist of Travis Baird, Eric Danz, Jerry Snipes and Casey Unger.

Danz will play the Spartan herald. Unger will play the slave. Will Cook will play the Spartan ambassador.

The Athenian women will consist of Davida Ambrose, Andrea Cash, Laura Hensley and Katie Price. The Spartan women will be portrayed by Chelsea Black, April Overton, Ashley Spicer and Michelle Thompson.

The Athenian men will consist of Baird and Unger. The Spartan men will consist of Danz and Snipes.

The roles of Peace and the Korinthian Girl have not been announced. Vanguard Theatre’s production of Lysistrata will be performed Nov. 9-12 in the Harriet Fulton Theatre in the Fine Arts building.

Showtimes will begin at 8 p.m. each evening on Thursday-Saturday and a matinee will take place on Sunday at 3 p.m.