By Tracy Hawkins
Occasionally one attends a theatrical performance and is struck by the perfection of the production. The lights, sound, costumes, set, actors are all exactly what they needed to be to produce a truly exceptional night at the theater. The Lantern’s “Tartuffe” is such a production.
Jered McLenigan as Tartuffe and Campbell O’Hare as Elmire in Lantern Theater Company’s production of Molière’s Tartuffe, translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur, directed by Charles McMahon, on stage now through Oct. 8, 2023. Photo by Mark Garvin
Moliere’s comedy was first performed in 1664, and more than 350 years later can make an audience howl with laughter, as they did at opening night this week. The story of a family whose patriarch has been taken in by a “pious” man who is really a clever grifter probably shouldn’t be as funny as it is. But between Richard Wilbur’s translation and Artistic Director Charles McMahon’s deft direction, it is comedy at its finest.
The setting appears to be perhaps 19th century Paris, which means not burdening the cast members with powdered wigs, high heels and wide skirts. Which is lucky, as there is a lot of racing around this aristocratic family’s tastefully decorated living room (beautifully designed by Meghan Jones). Costume Designer Kelly Myers outfits the ladies with elegance and color, and the gentlemen with attire that moves with them as they vault across the dining table or climb under it.
It’s rare to find yourself marveling at how lighting (Tydell Williams) and sound (Christopher Colucci) come together with the staging of the show to highlight certain moments with an almost electrical ZING, but it happens again and again in this show.
Technology wouldn’t mean much if you didn’t have the performances – and this cast brings it, one and all. Area veteran Frank X is the duped Orgon, outraged at his family’s lack of respect for his wisdom in taking in the “poor fellow.” Campbell O’Hare is his wise and patient wife Elmire, trying to make him see reason (to her detriment). As the saucy maid Dorine, Lee Minora has all the sass one expects from a long-time family retainer.
The rest of the extended family is very capably portrayed by Gregory Isaac as the sensible Cléante, Morgan Charéce Hall as Mariane, Travoye Joyner as the fiery Damis, Cathy Simpson as a scary, cane-wielding Madame Pernelle, and Dave Johnson as Mariane’s beau Valére. I will not soon forget Dorine’s efforts to keep Mariane and Valére from breaking up – a gem of a scene.
But: Tartuffe. If Jered McLenigan were more committed to the role, he’d have to be an actual con man. He prays, he genuflects, he casts woeful looks and makes protestations of unworthiness. He leers, he sneers, and he is a very, very naughty boy. I suspect his performance was carefully managed between his skills and Mr. McMahon’s direction. The result, however, is a wonderful bit of chaos and calamity, and a joy to behold.
If you go (and you really should): the show runs through Oct. 8 with performances Wednesdays through Sundays. Runtime is approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes with one intermission. The theater is not wheelchair accessible, as one must navigate stairs.
St. Stephen’s Theater is at 923 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia. Tickets at www.lanterntheater.org.