Sunday, March 21, 2010

'Tartuffe' is unexpected delight

By Katie Libecco

CHAMPION - You want to laugh, so you sit down to watch a 17th century French play.

I know, it doesn't seem right.

But Kent State Trumbull Theater's production of "Tartuffe," directed Dr. Daniel-Raymond Nadon, is a surprisingly funny show.

Moliére's "Tartuffe" tells the story of one family's involvement with the delightfully sleazy Tartuffe, played by Joseph Toto. Tartuffe, from his outrageous dialogue to his sex-hair, is the slimy villain theater audiences love to hate. Even if the play is set in the 17th century, Tartuffe would be right at home on today's celebrity blogs.

Toto is assisted in hilarity by his servant, Laurent, played by David Ruple. His performance is a testament to the theater manta, "There's no small parts, only small actors." His character certainly adds to the production, garnering belly laughs without saying a word.

Playing the straight man to Tartuffe is patriarch Orgon, played in this production by Dr. Peter Byrne, who gets plenty of laughs himself.

Another standout in "Tartuffe" is Chris Rapinz-Kesler as Valére, who handles the dialogue in a very natural way. Adding to the performances of Rapinz-Kesler, Tartuffe and Orgon are their immaculate costumes. The costumer for "Tartuffe" is Marian Phillips and the costume designer was Suzy Campbell. The costumes in "Tartuffe" are all elegant, but this production really sets a standard for period men's costuming. (It's really a delight to see actors in a play in short pants that aren't cut-off sweatpants.)

Adding to the elegance of "Tartuffe" is the set with a grand, marble staircase, designed by Robert Katkowsky. I was excited to find that set pieces I loved from last summer's "The King and I" were reused in a brilliant way. In "The King and I," credit was given to technical director, scenic designer and associate artistic director, Robert Katkowsky for the set. In "Tartuffe," he's credited as technical director and scenic designer.

Playing opposite of Valére is Hannah Gillespie, as his love interest and the daughter of Orgon, Marianna. Gillespie is a special find in local theater - a charming mix of cute and talented that lends itself well to the character of Marianne. Gillespie can get the audience laughing with a look alone.

The banter between Marianne and Orgon is a definite highlight of the show and really gets the pace of the show moving. It's not hard to see why it takes so long to get the plot of "Tartuffe" set up with all of the characters and their relationships, but once Gillespie and Byrne get going, the show never slows down.

Also stunning is Haley Jane Otto as Orgon's wife and Marianne's mother, Elmire. Like Gillespie, Otto is a natural at the complex dialogue and handles herself brilliantly onstage, only adding to the believability of the mother-daughter relationship.

Others in the case include Evan Graham as Cléante, Daniel Parsons as Damis, Christine Fowler as Dorine, Jenna Cintavey as Madame Pernelle, Rick Baxter as Monsieur Loyal, Brandi Baker as Flipote and Marlo M. Jones and Andrew Lockso alternating the role of Officer.

Between the beautiful set and costumes of "Tartuffe" is a hilarious story about family, religion, government and love. It was certainly a challenging show for Nadon and Kent State Trumbull to take on, but their risk is paid of with a reward of a great show for local audiences.

"Tartuffe" will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. For reservations, call (330) 675-8887. Tickets are $10.