Comedy THE MISER Opens 4/17 At The Playmakers

Heard enough about greed recently? Then change dismay into laughter at the upcoming production of "The Miser," the classic comedy about a coughing skinflint whose every thought and deed is concerned not with his family but with his money. Opening April 17 at The Playmakers, 121 W. 3rd Street in Grove, the play features a new-comer, Jonathan Elmore, in the lead role of Harpagon, the miser.

"The Miser" explores a world of trickery, manipulation, and paranoia. Sound familiar?

Actually this comedy was written by the famous Molieré over three-hundred years ago in France. It mocks many of the superficial values which can still be recognized among human beings. "The thing about great plays," said Suzanne Boles, director, "is that they keep getting translated and adapted because new generations can still identify with them, and in this case, enjoy the comedy. The translation we are using keeps the flavor of earlier translations, yet gives contemporary language and meaning to the biting satire in the play."

Extra skills were given the cast for The Playmakers' production at a recent workshop by Sara Romersberger, Physical Comedy Instructor at SMU in Dallas. "The movements, walks and stances might be reminiscent of the slapstick of Three Stooges to some, of Monty Python to others," Mrs. Boles added. "The play certainly has its share of low-brow humor among the marvelous satire."

There's the miser, Harpagon, who not only tries to arrange the marriages of his children to wealthy people who can support them so he won't have to, but who attempts to get a young bride for himself, without, of course, spending any money. He does this with the help of a matchmaker, Frosine, played by Lori Klickman. He hides his money from his household: Justus Fletcher as his son, Cleante; Morgan Olson as his daughter, Elise; La Flech, his servant played by Daniel Plant; his cook and coachman, played by Karon Wheat in a gender-bending role; and Valere (Spencer Pogue), his son's servant who wants to marry Elise. The comedy elements are expanded by Marianne (Raven Feather) whom Harpagon and his son both want to marry. Adding to the chaos are the money-lender and Chief of Police, both played by Fred Dunn, and the arrival of the mysterious figure, Anselme, played by Keith Klickman.

Produced with assistance from the Oklahoma Arts Council and by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc, the nine performances are April 17-19, 24-26, 28, and May 1,2. Friday, Saturday and Tuesday performances begin at 7:30 pm. Sundays are matinees at 2:00. For further information and necessary reservations, call 918-786-8950 or email 1groveplaymakers@sbcglobal.net. Adult tickets are $13.50 including tax; students (mid-school - 12th grade) are $6.75 including tax. The Playmakers accept Visa/MC. All performances are at The Playmakers, 121 W. 3rd Street, Grove, OK.

The suggested maturity level for this production is middle school and above. This age level is based on those who will be able to understand the play and find it enjoyable.

 

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