Some people cannot be convinced of something unless they see it with their own two eyes, and even then they can be skeptical. This is a problem that Orgon, a character from Moliere's classic comedy Tartuffe faces. Everyone around him, except his Mother, seems to understand that the man that Orgon has taken in has a less than stellar past, and that he's up to no good. But Orgon's blindness, even in the face of being confronted with eyewitness accounts, works against him taking any action against a man he sees as being perfectly pious. Mustard Seed Theatre has produced a funny and extremely well cast version of this play, and it's required viewing for anyone looking for something a little light and easy to take.
Orgon takes in the destitute Tartuffe, who claims to be of noble birth, because he feels sorry for the man, but he doesn't know that Tartuffe is a charlatan who puts up a front of piety that hides his more sinister motives and desires. Though his entire family, sans his Mother, can see through the deception, Orgon is oblivious to the facts. And, when his son sees Tartuffe making a play for his mother, he dutifully reports the matter to his father, only to be disowned and banished. When Orgon goes even further with this friendship, and makes plans to have his daughter wed this con man, he crosses a line that causes his family to put a scheme in motion that will reveal Tartuffe's true character.
J. Samuel Davis, who I will watch in just about anything, gives a great performance as the perpetually befuddled Orgon. He's well matched with Kelley Ryan who's just terrific as his ever patient wife Elmire. Watching her square off with Tartuffe is greatly amusing. Gary Wayne Barker makes a splendid Tartuffe, always plotting and scheming for new ways to take advantage of his new found friendship. Peggy Billo is also quite good as Orgon's mother, Madame Pernelle, who also refuses to recognize the truth about Tartuffe.
Colleen Backer steals the show as Dorine, the maid, and even though the part is written that way, Backer delights with her vast array of hilarious reactions and asides. Michael Brightman does nice work as Orgon's brother Cleante, who's constantly trying to get his brother to see the truth. Cleante comments that Orgon is always thinking in extreme terms, and he's just trying to get him to come up with an intelligent and grounded solution. Richard Lewis makes a favorable impression as Monsieur Loyal who arrives near the end to deliver a writ to Orgon, which essentially evicts the entire clan from their homestead.
Additional solid support is provided by Kareem Deanes as Orgon's headstrong son, Zoe Sullivan as his daughter, Mariane, David Chandler as her paramour Valere, Jackson Mabry as Tartuffe's servant, Laurent, Carmen Larimore Russell as Madame Pernelle's maid, and Phillip Bettison as an officer of the court who brings his own surprise to the shenanigans.
Director Deanna Jent does her usual superb job guiding this ensemble through their paces. She keeps the action upbeat and the tone light, which befits this material. Dunsi Dai's scenic design is eye-popping, filling the area from top to bottom with a well executed reconstruction of Orgon's multi-level home. The religious mural that adorns the doors of Tartuffe's bedroom adds a cute touch of irony. Bess Moynihan's lighting illuminates the action if fine form and JC Krajicek's costumes are impeccable. Suzanne Mills also contributes as the vocal coach.
Mustard Seed Theatre's presentation of Tartuffe is a sheer delight. Tartuffe continues through May 9, 2010.
