Triad co-founder and artistic director Preston Lane adapted and directs the production, set in 2009, to feature the husband and wife acting team of Gordon Joseph Weiss as Tartuffe and Rosie McGuire as Dorine (both of Triad's Tobacco Road in 2007), John Robert Tillotson as Orgon, Krista Hoeppner as Elmire, Christine Morris as Madame Pernelle, Jason Scott Quinn as Mr. Loyal, plus University of North Carolina-Greensboro Theatre students TJ Austin as Damis, Katy Sink as Mariane, Stephen Spencer as Valere, Joshua Yoder as Cleante, Meghan Hoffman as the Queen, and Caitlin Davis and Emma Reaves as police officers.
Tartuffe will open June 11, running to June 28.
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Lane stated, "Our new adaptation of Tartuffe is bold and contemporary. While keeping absolutely true to Moliere's comic spirit, we've updated the play to a very modern-day high-fashion Paris. The original is written in French rhymed verse, and English language adaptations have struggled with how best to render Moliere's verse in another language. Ours goes back to the author's roots in less formal and artificial theatrical styles. We want to cut through the heightened language to bring the characters up to date and to find the reality behind the artifice of its neo-classical style."
According to Triad notes, "Orgon is a very happy man. He has a lovely family, a beautiful new wife, an incredible fortune and a spiritual advisor who promises him eternal bliss. Unfortunately, he is about to lose it all. He's fallen into the trap of a pious imposter, the hilarious hypocrite Tartuffe. Preaching piety, two-faced Tartuffe is plotting to steal Orgon's fortune, marry his daughter, seduce his wife and take over his home. Can anything stop him? Triad Stage presents one of the world's funniest comedies and dares to shake up a theatrical classic to find its contemporary spirit." French actor/playwright Molière was born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin in 1622. His comedies — borrowing stock characters and making them fresh, relating to modern society — include The Miser, The Misanthrope, The School for Wives and The Imaginary Invalid.
Tartuffe was first performed in three acts for King Louis XIV at a festival in Versailles in 1664. In 1669, after years of being banned due to pressure from clergy, a five-act version opened at the Palais-Royal.
The Triad creative team includes scenic designer Fred Kinney, costume designer Kelsey Hunt, lighting designer John Wolf and sound designer David E. Smith. The dramaturg is Drew Barker, the casting director is Cindi Rush and the stage manager is Eric Tysinger.
Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite replaces the previously announced production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Performances will play Triad Stage at The Pyrle Theater, 232 South Elm Street in downtown Greensboro, NC.
To purchase tickets or for information, Call (336) 272-0160 or (866)579-TIXX or visit www.triadstage.org.
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Triad Stage is a professional not-for-profit regional theatre company based in Greensboro's downtown historic district. All Triad Stage productions are created in Greensboro using the best of local and national talent.
