Bruce Turk and Christopher M. Williams (Photo by Jason Niedle)
Reviewed by Dana Martin
Laguna Playhouse and North Coast Repertory Theatre
Through May 5th
RECOMMENDED
Religious hypocrisy is at its finest — and funniest — at Laguna Playhouse. Tartuffe by French playwright Molière — written in 1664 and translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur — takes aim at religious hypocrisy and still has relevance today. The production, transferred from North Coast Repertory, is a fast-paced, well-directed incarnation of the 17th century comedy that takes great pleasure in pointing out the pitfalls of fanatical fervor.
Orgon (Bo Foxworth), a member of the upper class of 17th century Parisian society, has a new obsession: religious piety. He’s fallen into what he projects to be the good graces of a holy man when, in reality, he’s fallen into a trap laid by Tartuffe (Bruce Turk), a predator and a fraud. Orgon refuses to see past Tartuffe’s ruse of religious devotion despite the pleadings of his family and clever maid, Dorine (Katie Karel). He’s willing to let his family perish rather than denounce this charlatan. He arranges a marriage between Tartuffe and his daughter Mariane (Shanté Deloach), who’s disgusted by Tartuffe and much prefers her own affable suitor, Valere (Jared Van Heel). Orgon reveres Tartuffe whom he deems to be the pinnacle of religious purity, vehemently protecting him from his family’s raised red flags. And Tartuffe wants more than Orgon’s reverence, good graces and his daughter: he wants his fortune and his wife too. He audaciously pursues Orgon’s wife Elmire (Melanie Lora) behind Orgon’s back. Elmire, adept at assuaging men’s unwanted advances, takes Tartuffe’s dangerous flirtation in stride and concocts a plan to catch him in the act, exposing his ruse and persuading Orgon of it once and for all. Despite the repeated warnings, Orgon disinherits his own son Damis (Rogelio Douglas III) and wills his livelihood to Tartuffe.
The entire play is written in rhymed couplets which the ensemble handles with great care and competency, never falling into the trap of landing every rhyme, every time. Bruce Turk’s Tartuffe is dangerously deceptive and delightfully nasty. He’s fascinating to watch; it’s a shame he doesn’t have more stage time. The play lights up when he finally enters well into the play’s first act. Bo Foxworth is fabulously ignorant as Orgon and expertly handles the rhythm scheme and the forward charge of the play. Christopher M. Williams is a calming voice of reason as Orgon’s level-headed brother Cleante. Katie Karel’s Dorine is great fun; her quick wit and frequent asides finds immediate rapport with the audience. Shanté Deloach projects a clever kind of innocence as Orgon’s dutiful daughter Mariane. Rosina Reynolds does the heavy lifting at the top of the play as the no-nonsense Madam Pernell, clearly and expertly laying out the story’s exposition. Rogelio Douglas III finds well-intended bravado as protective older brother Damis. Jared Van Heel makes memorable cameos as M. Loyal and Mariane’s affable suitor Valere.
Under the deft direction of Richard Baird, Tartuffe soars. Eliza Benzoni’s opulent costume design is rich with detail and Marty Burnett’s impressive set design is gorgeous; the pinnacle of wealth and privilege. Matt Novotny’s lighting is warm and subtle. Ian Scott’s sound design utilizes 17th century-inspired composition which elevates the play quite nicely. Peter Herman’s hair and wig design also does much to tell the story.
What does a play written nearly 400 years ago and set in 17th century French society have in common with our modern age? When it comes to religious hypocrisy, a lot. The play speaks to the damage caused by warped religious attitudes and how religious indoctrination preys on willing ignorance and gullibility. Orgon’s misplaced devotion and refusal to acknowledge the plain truth bears a striking resemblance to the conservative right’s unwarranted pious superiority and continued insistence on betting the farm on a conman.
Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Drive, Laguna Beach. Wed.-Fri., 7:30 pm.; Sat, 2 pm & 7:30 pm; Sun., 1 pm & 5:30 pm; Thurs. 4/25, 2 pm; Tues. 4/30, 7:30 pm; thru May 5th; https://LagunaPlayhouse.com. Running time: two hours and 20 minutes with one intermission.
