North Lake thespians pick Moliere classic

This semester the North Lake Theatre Department will present Moliere's classic restoration comedy, Tartuffe, translated by Christopher Hampton.

It was written in 1664 and performed for King Louis XIV before having its first public performance on Feb. 5, 1669.

This restoration comedy happens to be the most performed French play worldwide.

When the religious hypocrite Tartuffe ingratiates himself with Orgon and his mother Madame Pernelle, he is taken into their home and promised Orgon's daughter's hand in marriage (even as he secretly attempts to seduce Orgon's wife, Elmire).

Everyone else in the family sees through Tartuffe's pose, and his plotting and hypocrisies are eventually exposed. But, is it too late to save the family from eviction and to keep Orgon from being thrown in prison?

This playful adaptation of Moliere 's classic comedy sharply satirizes blind hypocrisy, religious piety, and deceit in irreverent rhymed verse.

There is great energy and talent on stage this semester with the return of Nick Clowers as Tartuffe and Dustin Sautter portraying Orgon.

The lovely Chantel Garcia portrays Orgon's wife, Elmire, and with her enormous stage presence Thomassa Dunlap brings to life as Madame Pernelle.

This fall several new members joined the North Lake Theatre Company, including Charles Reed who portrays Orgon's son, Damis and Mavreen Tan as Orgon's distraught daughter, Mariane.

Nikki Greco plays the part of the outspoken maid, Dorene.

Several other newcomers join the company and there is much excitement about the talent that they bring to the North Lake stage this semester.

Tartuffe will open on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. in the North Lake College Performance Hall. The play runs through Sunday, Nov. 5. There is no cost for admission.

For more information about Visual & Performing Arts on North Lake's Central Campus, go to www.northlakecollege.edu/academics.