Though centuries have passed since 17th-century playwright Molière criticized the hypocrisies of French society through his plays, Northampton composer and lyricist Jeff Olmsted knew Molière’s classic comedy “Tartuffe” was the perfect vehicle for his own musical jab at modern times.
Silverthorne Theater Company, a nonprofit arts organization, will present Olmsted’s work “Tar2f! An Irreverent Musical Comedy” as the opening show of its fifth anniversary season this year, according to a Siverthorne press release. The play will be performed at the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, 289 Main St. in Greenfield, on April 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m., as well as on April 15 at 2 p.m.
Peter Ludwig plays the title role of Tartuffe, a skilled con-man who, oozing fake piety, worms his way into the confidence and household of the wealthy Parisian, Orgon (Sam Samuels), and his mother, Madame Pernelle (Louise Krieger). Orgon’s wife, Elmire (Myka Plunkett), soon discovers the scoundrel’s real intentions toward her and her daughter, Mariane (Grace Olmsted), whose plans to marry her sweetheart, Valere (Steven Williams), are disrupted by her father.
Other characters such as Orgon’s son, Damis (Rich Vaden), Elmire’s brother, Cleante (Ted Trobaugh), and the family’s maid, Dorine (Linda Tardif), try to penetrate Orgon’s stubborn trust in Tartuffe, who proceeds to bring the family to near-ruin until a last minute royal pardon arrives.
Thom Griffin plays Molière in this version of the play. Chris Rohmann directs, Trobaugh serves as music director and Lee Edelman provides keyboard music.
Tickets are $25 general admission and $20 for students and seniors. Discount tickets for Silverthorne shows are available at the World Eye Bookshop in Greenfield and Broadside Books in Northampton. Tickets may also be purchased online at bit.ly/2H8t1EY.