Tartuffe June 18, 2011

Tartuffe — Ellen Geer directs her own adaptation of Molière’s wickedly funny Tartuffe, featuring original songs composed by Geer, with lyrics by Peter Alsop and arranged by Cody Gillette. Molière’s rich comic genius is epitomized in the character of the 17th century con artist whose exaggerated cultured manners and religious devotion mask his true aim—to defraud a naïve gentleman, seduce his wife, marry his daughter, and steal the deed to an elegant estate. First presented in 1664 at the court of King Louis XIV at Versailles, Tartuffe was promptly banned for its audacious attack on religious hypocrisy. After much petitioning by the playwright, the ban was lifted and Tartuffe has endured as Molière’s most popular play. On Fridays in September, Theatricum will serve French Provençal buffet dinners in the theater's adjacent gardens at 6:30 pm, followed by an 8 pm performance. (Separate admission, or combination packages available)

WHO:
Written by Molière
Adapted and Directed by Ellen Geer
Based on a translation by Curtis Hidden Page
Original songs composed by Ellen Geer
Lyrics by Peter Alsop
Arrangements by Cody Gillette
Featuring Ted Barton, Joanna Bateman, Daniel Billet, Sydney Blair, Alan Blumenfeld, Misha Bouvion, Kelly Derouin, Bill Durham, Liz Eldridge, Willow Geer, Leah Gutentag, Katherine Griffith, Aaron Hendry, Jackson McCord Thompson, William Reinbold

WHEN:
Performances: June 11 through October 1:
Saturday, June 11 at 8 pm
Sunday, June 12 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 18 at 8 pm
Sunday, June 19 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, June 26 at 3:30 pm
Saturday, July 2 at 4 pm
Saturday, July 9 at 4 pm
Saturday, July 16 at 4 pm
*Saturday, July 23 at 4 pm
Saturday, July 30 at 4 pm
Saturday, August 6 at 4 pm
Saturday, August 13 at 4 pm
Sunday, August 21 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 28 at 7:30 pm
**Friday, September 2 at 8 pm
**Friday, September 9 at 8 pm
**Friday, September 16 at 8 pm
**Friday, September 23 at 8 pm
**Friday, September 30 at 8 pm
Saturday, October 1 at 4 pm

*Prologue (pre-show discussion): Saturday, July 23 at 3 pm (included in ticket price)
**Pre-performance French Provençal buffet at 6:30 pm every Friday in September (September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30)

WHERE:
The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga CA 90290
(midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura Freeway)

HOW:
(310) 455-3723 or www.theatricum.com

TICKETS:
Adults: $32 (lower tier); $20 (upper tier)
Seniors, Students, Equity: $20/$15
Children (5-11): $10
Children under 5: free
Friday night combos in September: Play and Dinner:$45 (adults);$35 (teens 13-18); $20 (children 12 and under) - includes a buffet dinner & a performance of Tartuffe; advance reservations required

OTHER:
The outdoor amphitheater at The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is terraced into the hillside of the rustic canyon. Audience members are advised to dress casually (warmly for evenings) and bring cushions for bench seating. Snacks are available at the Hamlet Hut, and picnickers are welcome before and after the performance.