A Review of GCT's 'Misanthrope'
April 2, 2009
By VIRGINIA DUMONT-POSTON
Special to the Index-Journal
Greenwood, SC - Hate is good. Or it's certainly entertaining in the Greenwood Community Theatre's production of Moliere's "The Misanthrope." Tim Mooney directs a fine cast in the most current offering by GCT in his own irreverent adaptation of Moliere's classic comedy.
- Additionally, as Alceste, the protagonist whose rigid honest makes him the Simon Cowell of 17th century France (at least when it comes to judging sonnets), Mooney brings a wit and style to the stage that easily resonates with contemporary audiences.
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- Anyone who enjoys the television series "House" will certainly like this play with its clever word play and philosophical insights.
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- Mooney's adaptation - written in rhymed iambic pentameter - skewers the hypocrisies of conventional society and the little (and sometimes large) lies humans rely on to maintain appearances and social order. The seeming naturalness of the rhymed dialogue is genuine credit to the entire cast's ability to deliver the lines clearly and conversationally while embedding the gesture and movement necessary to underscore the points Moliere wished to make.
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It is no small achievement to make rhymed speech not come off as sing-songy or silly.
All the actors are well-cast. In addition to Mooney in the lead, Bess Park, as Alceste's unlikely love interest, Celimente - she is, after all, totally about society and appearances, two things Alceste rails against - is graceful and appropriately coy; no wonder all the men are entranced. Issac Young, Alceste's foil and only friend, is excellent as one of only two balanced characters in the play.
Eliante, Celimene's cousin and Philinte's love interest (and the other balanced character) is well played by Julie Dean.
Bradley McDonald is more than credible as the insecure and thin-skinned sonneteer, Oronte, whose less than sublime poetry cause problems for all.
Patricia de Vroomen plays Arsinoe, a 17th century woman who today might be referred to as a "cougar;" she brings a sure yet light comic touch to the role.
The parts of two young marquis who wish to woo Celimene away from Alceste are performed in tandem by Wally Dorn and Caleb Lewis. Even the smallest parts - Mary Lynn Polk as a maid, Pete Buttner as a guard, and Ken Hokenson as a manservant - contribute to the ensemble's strengths.
At first glance, a 17th century play might seem an unlikely candidate for an evening's entertainment in Greenwood.
However, as executed by this able cast, accompanied by a lovely set, subtle lighting and evocative musical interludes, The Misanthrope proves to be such an evening. Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
For more information and tickets call (864) 229-5704 or email tgct@greenwood.net.
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