Rowan gives a new spin to Moliere's 'Misanthrope'
February 16, 2010Putting a new spin on a 17th century comedy of manners in verse, Rowan University’s Department of Theatre & Dance presents director Phillip Graneto’s unique approach to Moliere’s The Misanthrope, February 25 – 28, 2010. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm in Tohill Theatre on the Glassboro campus.
In his comic masterpiece, Moliere shows what happens when an honest man - who shuns all vanity, hypocrisy and insincerity - becomes infatuated with a lovely young woman as flirtatious and shallow as she is beautiful. Alceste believes he can see the truth behind all flattery and pretense - yet, blinded by his passion for the charming but silly Celimene, becomes a fool for love.
The Rowan production uses Richard Wilbur’s acclaimed English translation of the French comedy, which made its debut in 1666. This version maintains the original verse structure, while the director balances that with a somewhat more contemporary approach.
Graneto, heading his last production at Rowan after 40 years at the university, sets the play in the 1930s and emphasizes the milieu of the English upper crust - but focuses on the characters and not just the social commentary.
“It’s a gentle comedy, not a raucous one,” Graneto explained. “But it’s a pure example of the comic form.”
The cast includes Jennifer Buckley of Westampton Township as Basque, Jeff Flood of Franklinville as Clitandre, Laura Fullerton of Williamstown as Arsinoe, Steve Grande of Pennsauken as Oronte, Jay Harris of Atco as Acaste, Kelsey Malone of Tabernacle as Celimene, Alex McCarty of Chatham as Philinte, Michele Mizeski of Califon as Eliante, Jim Quartuccio of Avenel as Alceste and Juan Sanchez of Teaneck as Dubois.
Tohill Theatre is located in Bunce Hall on the campus of Rowan University, Route 322 in Glassboro, NJ. Tickets are $10, general admission; and $5 for seniors, non-Rowan students, Rowan staff & alumni. Tickets for Rowan students are free with valid ID. For information and advance tickets, visit rowan.tix.com or call the box office at (856) 256-4545.
