The plots don't get more classic than this: a wife who pays her husband back for his consuming jealousy, and a servant plotting to keep a father from promising his daughter to a man she doesn't love. Moliere perfected these farcical plot conventions, and audiences have until Jan. 25 to see them in action in two short Moliere plays at ME's Portland Stage. The one-acts opened Jan. 8.

Both The Jealous Husband and The Flying Doctor are translated by Albert Bermel, a CUNY professor and noted author on French theatre. The plays were penned in the early 1660s

Portland Stage co-artistic director Christopher Akerlind -- a Tony nominated lighting designer -- will direct both comedies, with Rick Martin covering the lighting chores. Judy Gailen (set) and Meg Neville (costumes) complete the design team.

Starring in Husband and Doctor are Benjamin Stewart, Kym Dakin, Geoffrey Molloy and Charles Weinstein, with a special cameo by Sarah "Squid" Lord.

For tickets ($18-$29) and information on The Jealous Husband and The Flying Doctor, which began previews Jan. 4 and runs through Jan. 25 at Portand Stage on Forest Ave., call (207) 774-0465. Next up at the theatre will be Spunk. -- By David Lefkowitz