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Misanthrope springs eternal
A new translation of Moliere's "The Misanthrope" brings to life the classic comedy about a man who suddenly decides to be brutally honest with everyone.
By ROBIN EISGRAU
Offoffoff.com
This new translantion of Moliere's "The Misanthrope" (translated by the
play's director, Rod McLucas) is a crisp, vibrant interpretation of a
classic. Set in the 18th century, "The Misanthrope" tells the story of
Alceste, a man who is fed up with the phoniness of society that he sees all
around him. He decides to combat what he detests by being brutally honest
with everyone, a plan that brings him trouble. He's in love with Celimene,
a woman who is very popular yet has scathing opinions about nearly
everyone.
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| THE MISANTHROPE |
Written by: Molire.
Directed by: Rod McLucas.
Cast: Christopher Black, Tim Deak, Jason Crowl, Angela Madden, Jennifer Herzog, Elise Stone, Jolie Garrett, Harris Berlinsky, Taylor Bowyer, Craig Smith.
Translated by: Rod McLucas.
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At the beginning of the play, Alceste is visited by Oronte, who is also in
love with Celimene. Oronte reads a poem of his that is fairly terrible and
asks Alceste for his opinion. Alceste doesn't mince words, and what follows is
a verbally vivid series of pronouncements on the meaning of what one says
and what one does.
Spoken in rhyme, the language of "The Misanthrope" is witty
and melifluous. The period costumes the players wear are a detailed treat
for the eyes. Angela Madden, Jennifer Herzog and Elise Stone move around he
stage with grace as they twirl here and there. Jason Crowl nearly steals
the show as the flamboyant Oronte as he pounds the stage with his very large
walking stick and wears a sparkling cape.
If you've ever found yourself
tiring of the superficiality of society you'll probably be able to relate
at least somewhat to the plight of Alceste and you'll enjoy the sprinklings
of philosophy in Moliere's words.
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MAY 15, 2001
OFFOFFOFF.COM • THE GUIDE TO ALTERNATIVE NEW YORK
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