The Misanthrope
The Misanthrope
By Jean Baptiste Moliere
Translated into English by Richard Wilbur
Starring Michael Witherell, Fredy Ruiz, Elise Golowski
Valencia Character Company, Orlando Fl
Plain speech is a wonderful idea in principle, but in everyday practice it can turn anthills into avalanches. Alceste (Witherell) hectors his buddy Philinte (Erik Young) on the topic, even going so far as to justify telling someone their sonnet sucks, right to their face. In his mind, there is no greater service one can do for is fellow man. He gets to prove his point when romantic rival Oronte (Ruiz) appears with just such a sucky sonnet, and now the arrows fly. Alceste appeals to his beloved Celimene (Golowski) to pick him and show that bad poet who’s who, but she just flirts with both until they demand an answer. Oops! It’s neither of the two – maybe just a LITTLE flattery could have made Alceste a happier man.
The cast is a bit uneven in this otherwise stunning revival of this French drawing room comedy. Alceste and Oronte are the best actors on stage – Whitherell’s portrayal of Alceste drips with the sort of righteous anger one so often finds in those who stake their personality and public personal on righteousness. Ruiz’s Oronte feels much more comic, sounding like a straight yet offended Dr. Frankenfurter. Golowski’s Celimene seems more prim than flirtatious, and the swishy twins Acaste and Cilantro (Chad Erikson and Tiny Slater) are funny, but a bit over the top.
With a brilliant set, excellent staging, and wonderful costumes this Moliere brings us back to the silliness and satire of 300 years ago, but the story still finds relevance in today’s society. There is a place for plain speech, and there is a place for a little judicious flattery. Ask anyone who’s made a success of marriage or career.
For more information on Valencia Character Company, please visit http://valenciacc.edu/theater/
