Mad Horse Theatre Co. to Open 28th Season with THE SCHOOL FOR LIES, 9/26-10/13

Mad Horse Theatre Company is proud to open their 28th season with the Maine Premiere of David Ives' smart, sparkling THE SCHOOL FOR LIES - inspired by Moliere's THE MISANTHROPE.

It's 1666 and the brightest, wittiest salon in Paris is that of Celimene, a beautiful young widow so known for her satiric tongue that she's being sued for it. Surrounded by a bevy of ridiculous, yet hopeful, suitors, Celimene has managed to evade love since her beloved husband died-until today, when the mysterious Frank appears. Armed with ruthless wit and acidic misanthropy, Frank turns Celimene's world upside-down, taking on her suitors, matching her barb for barb, and teaching her how to live again.

With its modern language couched in cunning verse, THE SCHOOL FOR LIES is French Farce at its finest , combining a heady mix of mistaken identity, misguided romance, deception and even drag in a slyly crafted confection.

"It just jumps right off the page," says Christine Louise Marshall, the play's director, as well as Artistic Director of Mad Horse. "David Ives' language has such musicality that it's incredibly easy on the ears, while at the same time so smart and funny. But it requires a very smart cast, as well, to really make the rhythm sing. We absolutely have that cast. It's a terrific season opener."

THE SCHOOL FOR LIES marks the second season for Mad Horse in its own black box theater, located in the old Hutchins School in South Portland. Last year Mad Horse converted part of its production facility into a performance space, and has been thrilled with the response from the public, as well as grateful to the city of South Portland for their support over the past 4years. They are pleased to be part of South Portland's growing theater scene.

The cast includes Mad Horse company members Burke Brimmer, Janice Gardner, Chris Horton, Kat Moraros and Nate Speckman. Guest Artists are Evan Dalzell, Kerry Ann Loomis, Shawn Reardon and Johnny Speckman. Christine Louise Marshall directs and designs. Marie Stewart stage manages. Tom Wyatt designs lighting.

THE SCHOOL FOR LIES runs September 26 through October 13, in the Mad Horse Theater at the Hutchins School, 24 Mosher Street, South Portland.

Performance times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm, and Sunday Matinees at 2:00pm. The Opening Night Gala Reception will immediately follow the Friday, September 27 performance. There will be a special Talk Back with the director and the actors immediately following the matinee on Sunday, October 6. The closing performance on Sunday, October 13, will be at 7pm.

Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for seniors/students. Reservations are recommended. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.madhorse.com/tickets or for more information call 747-4148. Season Subscribers can call 207-747-4148 or email the box office to reserve: madhorsetheatre@gmail.com

As always, Mad Horse offers Pay What You Can nights every Thursday during the run. Pay What You Can tickets are only available at the door, while seats are available.

Photo Credit: James Hoban

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