Moliere’s The Misanthrope opened Friday in a sumptuous production in MSU’s Arena Theatre. But first, a brief history lesson:
Moliere was an actor/playwright who functioned as a kind of Saturday Night Live in mid-17th Century France, poking fun at customs of the elites and at authority. This was not the norm in those days since local and church officials were particularly quick to shut down any scribbling which dared to challenge them. But Moliere had gained the support and protection of the king’s brother and then King Louis XIV himself, which provided the benefit not only of money but also the ability to get his plays performed and not shut down.
The Misanthrope is said to be his best work, presenting the story of Alceste (Matt Greenbaum), a middle-aged man of unevenly acerbic temperament, who is generally disgusted with most other people because they persist with flattering and falsehoods: he believes one should always be honest and tell the truth, no matter whom it might offend. (A famous I Love Lucy episode addressed this same theme.)
While there have been many English translations of The Misanthrope in the past 350 years, director Dan Smith was present at the creation of this version by playwright Constance Congdon at the turn of this century and so retains affection for it. He has turned the Arena Theatre into an improbably rococo drawing room which hosts razor-sharp timing and many sly gestures amidst a sea of flapping coattails.
Mr. Greenbaum brings Alceste to vibrant life, ill humor and all, and is ably matched by Janette Angelini as the no-nonsense Célimène who deftly fends off suitors while maintaining her social standing. The ever-versatile Greg Hunter as Philinte tries in vain to present the voice of reason to Alceste, while Peter James Florian, Shane Bruno and Evan Phillips sparkle with their foppish excesses in pursuit of Célimène. Katelyn Hodge offers the perfect embodiment of aging duplicity, complete with fake beauty mark.
And speaking of beauty, the 18th Century costumes by Violet Jones and wigs/hair by Mallory Maxton are a delight to the eyes.
Lest you think this production is merely an educational exercise in rhymed verse, be advised that it’s frequently hilarious with the audience laughing out loud – you will too!
The Misanthrope continues with shows today (Saturday) at 2 and 8 pm, Sunday at 2; and then Tue-Thu at 7:30, Friday at 8 and Sunday 11/19 at 2, with Saturday 11/18 depending on the time of MSU’s home football game.