STAGE REVIEW : A Skirmish in the Battle of the Sexes : Saddleback College production of the Greek comedy ‘Lysistrata’ emphasizes double-entendres over weighty performances.

The vulgar sexual satire of “Lysistrata” is getting a mild workout at Saddleback College’s McKinney Theatre.

This production is more notable for the pink-and-blue bedroom colors of its sleek design than for anything remotely provocative in the performances. Even so, it is virtually impossible to nullify the bawdy entertainment quotient of Aristophanes’ anti-war comedy. Moreover, when the women of ancient Greece go on strike against the men, refusing to sleep with them unless they quit making war, they also manage to strike a modern feminist note that draws us into a farcical battle of the sexes with uncanny ease.

The play includes many double-entendres, most of which elicited outbursts of giggles on opening night. Beyond that, this production goes in for some harmless but too-obvious phallic imagery. For example, the randy men, who are dressed in baby-blue jumpsuits to suggest construction workers, have large flashlights dangling between their legs.

The women, in pink shirts and shorts, are no less randy than the men. But, led by a combative and well-spoken Lysistrata (Victoria Cole), they cleave to their high-minded purpose. Unfortunately, they tend to seem like sexually deprived cheerleaders rather than women of the world able to work their collective will through the power of seduction.

At 1 1/2 hours without an intermission, “Lysistrata” does not overstay its welcome. It does seem very much an undergraduate production, however, valuable chiefly for the educational opportunity it provides the cast and any audience not familiar with Aristophanes.

‘Lysistrata’

Victoria Cole: Lysistrata

Tom Snooks: Commissioner

Susan Magee: Kalonike

Teresa Brancaleone: Myrrhine

Heather Renee: Simon Lampito

Roger B. Manning: Kinesias

A Saddleback College presentation of the comedy by Aristophanes, translated by Dudley Fitts, directed by Lynn Wells, produced by the Department of Theatre Arts and the Associated Student Government. Choreographed by Patricia Evans. Music by Norman Weston. Scenic design by Wally Huntoon. Costumes and makeup by Charles Castagno. Lighting and sound design by Kevin Cook. Continues Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the McKinney Theatre, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes, no intermission. $7 to $8. (714) 582-4656.