FLATWATER SHAKESPEARE PRESENTS MOLIERE’S “THE MISANTHROPE” APRIL 17-27 AT LINCOLN’S HAYMARKET THEATRE

Flatwater Shakespeare presents Moliere’s “The Misanthrope,” one of the greatest and funniest comedies ever written, beginning Thurs., April 17, at 7:30 p.m. Adapted and directed by Bob Hall in the Haymarket Theatre, 803 “Q” Street in Lincoln’s Haymarket District, performances of “The Misanthrope” continue Friday-Sunday, April 18-20; and Wednesday-Sunday, April 23-27. Show times are 7:30 p.m., with an additional 10 p.m. show on Friday, April 25. Ticket prices are $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Group rates also are available. Call 484-7640 for reservations.

Moliere set his classic satire in the highest social levels of 17th-century France. Bob Hall’s free yet faithful adaptation stays in Paris, but places the characters in the world of present-day artistes and “faux-cialites.” This version also preserves the sparkling dialogue and ingenious rhyming of Moliere’s original. The Misanthrope of the title is Alceste, here a talented painter, who is suspicious of all humankind, disdainful of both critical and popular acclaim, and unwilling to conform to any of the conventions of polite conduct.

Alceste makes two exceptions to his general contempt for humanity: his long-suffering and good-hearted friend, Philante, and his beloved Celimene, a brilliantly witty and flirtatious young widow. Celimene, though, is constantly in the company of other suitors, including pretentious poets and social butterflies, who provoke Alceste’s ire. There are also rivals for Alceste’s attentions, such as Celimene’s cousin Eliante and the pious gossip Arsinoe. Through Alceste’s battles against the hypocrisies of society and his efforts to win the heart of Celimene – or to free himself from her charms – we enjoy biting commentary, shocking revelations, and hilarious complications.

For this comedic romp, director Hall has again convened a superb cast, with Fred Stuart as Alceste, Andrea Swartz as Celimene, Tom Crew as Philante, Julie Kinkennon as Eliante, and Becky Key as Arsinoe. Flatwater favorites and newcomers complete the ensemble: Brad Boesen, Tom Bolin, Darin Hemmer, Dick Nielsen, Elbert Traylor, and Petrea Whittier.

Delighted to renew its partnership with the Haymarket Theatre, Flatwater Shakespeare begins its fourth year as a professional non-profit theatre company, bringing to Lincoln audiences the richness of classic theater as it was meant to be experienced – played out by a dynamic group of performers on stage. For more information about Flatwater, go to www.flatwatershakespeare.org.