The cast of Tartuffe, The Imposter may be dressed to the hilt, but there’s plenty to laugh about in this classic comedy from the great Molière. Gina Kaufmann directs at Shakespeare & Company’s Rose Footprint Theatre from June 27 – August 25, 2012. Photo by Kevin Sprague.

Beginning tonight, Shakespeare & Company has begun its 11th season of the annual summer-long Bankside Festival with the outrageously funny and family friendly production of Tartuffe the Imposter on the tented Rose Footprint Theatre. The comedy runs June 27 through August 25

Tartuffe the Imposter is a whimsical, boisterous romp, originally penned by French comedic master Molière. Adapted into a fast-paced musical comedy, this production, which features a talented ensemble of Shakespeare & Company actors, is sure to fascinate, entertain, and shed a startling light on the fickle nature of human love and understanding.

Written in 1664, Molière’s original performance was banned almost immediately by King Louis XIV. In fact, he never saw the play performed in its entirety in public. The show’s religious critiques and scathing opinions of the intellectual and upper class resulted in immediate disfavor. This summer’s version, adapted by Constance Congdon and directed by Gina Kauffmann, has been condensed into a 90-minute production, adapting much of the dialogue into musical verse.

Tartuffe, a seemingly pious, yet absurdly selfish man, has charmed his way into the hearts of his host family, Madame Pernelle and her son, Orgon. Despite accepting the hand of his host’s daughter, Tartuffe continuously attempts to seduce Orgon’s own wife, Elmire. As the imposter’s ruses become more blatant, hilarity ensues as more characters fall victim to his charms. Music weaves seamlessly into the rhymed verse, adding just the right amount of merriment to this biting satire.

Tickets are $10 for adults, and FREE for children and students under 18. To view a complete schedule, receive a brochure, or inquire about discounts, please call the Box Office at (413) 637-3353 or visit www.Shakespeare.org. For customized group visits – which may include artist talkbacks, tours, and catered events – contact the Group Sales office at (413) 637-1199, ext. 132.

At a Glance:

PRODUCTION: Tartuffe the Imposter
THEATRE: Rose Footprint Theatre
PLAYWRIGHT: Molière
ADAPTOR: Constance Congdon
DIRECTOR: Gina Kaufmann
MUSIC DIRECTOR/COMPOSER: Luke Reed
CAST: Jake Berger, Greg Boover, Joan Combs, Emily Ehlinger, Colin Gold, Monica Giordano, Caitlin Kraft, Conor Moroney, Sam Perry, Luke Reed, Douglas Seldin, and Brianna Sloane
COSTUME DESIGNER: Meredith Wilcox
WARDROBE: Margaret Koerber
STAGE MANAGER: Jessie Earl

Performance Dates:

Dates Times
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 6:00 (Preview)
Sunday, July 1, 2012 6:00 (Preview)
Thursday, July 5, 2012 6:00 (Preview)
Friday, July 6, 2012 6:00 (Preview)
Saturday, July 7, 2012 6:00 (Press Opening)
Thursday, July 12, 2012 6:00
Friday, July 13, 2012 6:00
Saturday, July 14, 2012 4:00
Saturday, July 21, 2012 5:30
Sunday, July 22, 2012 4:00
Saturday, July 28, 2012 6:30
Sunday, July 29, 2012 4:00
Thursday, August 2, 2012 4:00
Friday, August 3, 2012 4:00
Saturday, August 4, 2012 4:00
Thursday, August 9, 2012 4:00
Friday, August 10, 2012 4:00
Saturday, August 11, 2012 4:00
Thursday, August 16, 2012 4:00
Saturday, August 18, 2012 4:00
Thursday, August 23, 2012 5:30
Friday, August 24, 2012 5:30
Saturday, August 25, 2012 5:30 (Closing Performance)