'The Misanthrope' Opens Greasy Joan's New Season; Begins March 5

Greasy Joan & Co. kicks-off its twelfth year of producing innovative productions of classic plays with Molière's comedy The Misanthrope, directed by Associate Artistic Director Libby Ford and translated by Ranjit Bolt.  The Misanthrope will play the Athenaeum Theater, 2936 N. Southport in Chicago, for a limited engagement March 5 through April 5, 2008.  The press opening is Friday, March 7, 2008 at 8PM.

"Greasy Joan re-imagines Molière's classic comedy, turning the world of opulence into a maze of catastrophic illusion by setting the play in a dystopian environment.  Molière sacrificed family and position in order to live for the theatre – in The Misanthrope he mocks the aristocratic life that he rejected. While Molière uses comedy to point to the ridiculous fashions of the upper class, the play packs a punch when characters' deep-seated fears are realized.  A humorous inquiry into what makes a man a misanthrope in a society that viciously struggles to maintain the status quo.  Explore the power, delight and relevance of Molière's greatest masterpiece," explain press notes.

"Alceste, our obstinate misanthrope, is in love with Celimene, the most popular woman in society, despite the fact she participates in all the fawning and gossip that makes him loath society. Against her better judgment, Celimene loves Alceste; but in this world of dangerous lawsuits and ridiculous accusations, she dare not reveal her true affections out of fear of retribution from the three jealous marquises who also woo her. Alceste's only friend, Philinte, and Celimene's cousin, Eliante, do their best to facilitate the lovers' relationship, but uncompromising philosophies about love and society make a humorous disaster out of misunderstanding and missed opportunities."

The cast of The Misanthrope includes:  Kevin Cox (Alceste), Alex Goodrich (Philinte), Kate Cares (Celimene), Kristina Klemetti (Eliante), Matthew Sherbach (Oronte), Carlo Garcia (Acaste), Eddie Jordan III (Clitandre) and Erica Elam (Arsinoe).

The Misanthrope is written by Molière, directed by Greasy Joan Associate Artistic Director Libby Ford and adapted by Ranjit Bolt.  The design team includes: Kevin Depinet (set), Lindsey Pate (costumes); Ryan Davies (lights) and Victoria DeLorio (sound).

Previews are March 5 & 6 at 8PM; Opening March 7 at 8PM with performances through April 5, 2008 at the Athenaeum Theater, 2936 N. Southport

Show times are Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM, Sundays at 3PM

Tickets are $10 - $20 ($10 for preview performances and students). Thursday $10 industry nights. Available by calling Ticketmaster at (312) 902-1500, at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Athenaeum Box Office.  Groups of 10 or more can receive a discount by calling (312) 458-0718.

A special benefit performance of The Misanthrope will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 7PM.   Benefits tickets cost $30 and include a post-play reception at Lennox Lounge, 3032 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago.   Reservations can be made by calling (312) 458-0718. For more information on Greasy Joan & Co., call (312) 458-0718 or go to www.greasyjoan.org.

l-r: Matthew Sherbach (Oronte), Kate Cares (Celimene) and Kevin Cox (Alceste)

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