Theatrical Review: Tartuffe

TARTUFFE
Written by: Moliere (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin IV)
Translated into English Verse by Richard Wilbur
Directed by: Stephanie Daventry French
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in East Stroudsburg, PA presented their Theatre Department’s production of “Tartuffe” by Moliere in the Smith-McFarland Theatre in the University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center. This 17th century classic was introduced to the audience by a set designed by Sarah Lambert which kept true to the tradition of the magnificent yet appropriate set designs ESU has received well deserved praise for. The sets in ESU productions have often become characters in the plays they adorn and Ms. Lambert’s design of “Tartuffe’s” set was no exception. The greeting it gave to the approaching audience members a prelude to the fine performances they were about to encounter.

However, to say the performances by the actors embodying the production would be a gross understatement. They were beyond exceptional. Their ability to grasp the soul of Moliere’s work while translating the potentially archaic manners inherent in classical pieces over 200 years old for a modern audience was a joy to experience. This was pointedly evident in the casts fearlessness as they played their roles with shear abandonment in both physical humor and in allowing their characters to go beyond the normal realms bordering our responses to the situations the encountered. In other words, they weren’t afraid to go over the top.

Although this wonderful approach has been clearly embarked upon by each actor, there is an abundance of credit to be given to the director Stephanie Daventry French. Her attention to the elements of the play such as timing, costuming, and research of the work enabled the play and it’s participants to gain the knowledgeable confidence it needed to bring Moliere’s work to life in 2008. She also instituted a practice seldom seen in theatre before the turn of this century. The script of this play mentions Tartuffe’s servant Laurent but he never appears. In this production, he is manifested in the body of Dave Morton* and enhances the work to the delight of the audience who laughs at his well timed antics.

The key to the success of this or any other performance of versed work written long ago and in other languages is the translation of it into English. The danger of receiving a poor translation can be from translators who aren’t good poets and their lack of ability is evident in the product the come up with or the work is translated by an accomplished poet and he/she substitutes the style of the original writer with his/her own. Luckily, neither was the case with this translation of Moliere’s “Tartuffe.” Richard Wilbur has not only allow us to hear Moliere’s words in a language we can understand and find relevance but he has also captured the spirit embodied in the work enlivening it every time it is read and performed.

The play takes place in the home of a wealthy merchant named, “Orgon.” He had taken in Tartuffe who has promised him a path to a pious existence which will guarantee him a place in heaven. Soon, Orgon himself is taken in by Tartuffe to the point of promising his daughter into marriage to him and signing over all his possessions into his care. His family and servants warn him against such actions, but Orgon remains blindly faithful to Tartuffe and his empty promises. A series of hilarious events take place to open Orgon’s eyes to Tartuffe’s treachery but it is nearly too late as he and his family face eviction from their own home.

In addition to Dave Morton‘s* portrayal of Laurent, “Tartuffe” also featured Christie Berlane* as Dorine the maid servant of the Orgon family who provides her masters with the common sense they lack, Brian Foley* (in hilarious drag) as Orgon’s Mother Mme. Pernelle whose overbearing stubbornness does not prevent her by being fooled by the imposter Tartuffe, Kendra Getz as Mme. Pernelle’s maid servant who quietly obeys her mistress’s demands until rebels against them when they become too preposterous (Ms. Getz also served as understudy for Mme. Pernelle), Rachel Mack as Elmire the wife of Orgon who becomes willing to sacrifice her proprieties so her husband can discover the truth of the unworthy man he placed his trust and his family’s lives in, Dave Ausem as Cleante the dandyish brother to Elmire whose sense of style prevents his wise words from being taken seriously, Angelo Revilla III* as Orgon’s son Damis whose distaste for Tartuffe is embolden by his youthful vigor yet displaced by his innate cowardice to act upon his pronouncements and the wily ways of Tartuffe himself, Jenell Anne Manzi as Orgon’s daughter Mariane whose perceptions of life is in much need of the common sense advice she receives from Dorine, Raj Shankar* as Orgon the wealthy merchant whose desire for spiritual wholeness makes him vulnerable to the manipulations Tartuffe brings into his life and that of his family, Michael Demyan IV* as Mariane’s fiancée Valere who is a young officer proved to be well matched intellectually for Mariane, Luke Thomas Swierczek as the bailiff M. Loyal and the King’s Musketeer whose characters rounded out the play but proved to be nonetheless a satisfying aspect of the evenings experience, Alice Mol as King Louis XIV whose mere presence brought a sense of royalty to the production, and Doug Brehony* whose portrayal of Tartuffe made his arrival on stage well worth the wait as he expertly earned the reputation created by the dialogue which proceeded him. This anticipation was met by a satisfying laughter which lingered long after the final curtain call. Doug Brehony‘s* understudy was Kriss Judovics.

“Tartuffe” by Moliere (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin IV) and translated into English Verse by Richard Wilbur was directed by Stephanie Daventry French who also served as the Production Manager while Kristin Lott* and Alice Moll (also Ballet Coach) served as Assistant Directors. Pierre Clavel served as Technical Director while Dave Dougherty* served as the Assistant Technical Director. Alex Wirth served as Stage Manager while Gini Green and Erica Moschette served as Assistant Stage Managers. Sarah Lambert served as Set Designer. The Scenic painter was Nikki Andrews along with Christie Berlane (also Master Carpenter), Dave Ausem (also Master Carpenter), Jenell Anne Manzi, Rachel Mack, Luke Swierczek, and Kendra Getz. The Carpenters included Kyle Storm and Matt Pearson. Greg Back was the Poster and Program Artist. John Scognamiglio and Robin Kessler* served as the Sound Designers. The Assistant Sound Designer and Sound Board operator was Shamus Halloran. The lighting design was created by Sooyeon Hong while E. R. Koenig* (Light Board Operator) and Scott Ross (also Master Electrician and Lighting Crew) served as the Assistant Lighting Designers. The Costume Designer for the wonderful period adornments was Jennifer Tiranti while Amanda Kalinowski (also Wardrobe Run Crew) serves as the Assistant Costume Designer. The Costume Shop Manager was Karen Schwander who also served in the Wardrobe Run Crew along with Dave Kemmerer (also Costume Construction Crew). The Costume Construction crew included Michael Demyan IV* (also carpenter and painter), Jolene Sharp, and Raj Shankar*. The Props Master was Maria Picon while Elizabeth Page served as Props Assistant. Hair and makeup crew was Angel Berlane*, Rachel Marano, Angela Caccese, and Paolina Szemraj. The Publicity Director was Rita M. Plotnicki while Ryan Werkheiser, Pat Coyle, and Stage II (The ESU Theatrical Club) served as Publicity Assistants. The Box Office Manager was Sami Avola while Melissa Franks and Mark “Calvus” Carbino* served as House Managers. French Language Consultants were Edit Vergara and Ashley E. Hansberry.

This production of “Tartuffe” by Moliere (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin IV) will continue its run at the Smith-McFarland Theatre in the East Stroudsburg University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center in East Stroudsburg, PA until April 27th and is recommended for those who would like to enjoy an evening filling our souls with laughter while examining were we are placing our trust and is it worthwhile. Please contact The East Stroudsburg University* Theatre Department at 570-422-3483 for more information and to reserve your ticket. There will be a post show discussion after the Friday Night performance.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Please Note: No Photographs were allowed during this production.