Press Release

 

Molière’s Classic comedy Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite replaces Triad Stage’s June 2009 production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

 

(Greensboro, NC, February 12, 2009) —Triad Stage is replacing the final MainStage production in its 2008-2009 “Season of Spirit” – Dale Wasserman’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – with Molière’s comedy, Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite. The change was made in order to help keep the theater company fiscally sound during the current national economic downturn, which has forced numerous theaters, opera companies and symphonies to close or suspend operations since the fall of 2008. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was originally scheduled to perform June 7 through July 5, 2009.

Artistic Director Preston Lane explained the need to replace the planned production of the counter-culture drama, “With a cast of 17 professional actors, Cuckoo’s Nest was a daring, but doable, undertaking when we programmed it over a year ago in a stronger economic climate. I love the play and know that it was a popular choice. But considering the high costs associated with mounting such a large production, we felt it would be financially irresponsible to move forward during this recession. I am confident that Cuckoo’s Nestwill be featured in a future season at Triad Stage when the economy improves.”

In its place, Lane has selected Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite, an outrageous comedy, to round out the season. “With tough times negatively affecting the public’s general mood and outlook,” said Lane, “we felt it important to take this opportunity to offer our patrons the chance to laugh with one of the greatest theatrical comedies of all time.” With its timeless theme of hypocrisy gone wild and humor that resonates with any audience, the story of Tartuffe is just as relevant now as it was when the French playwright/actor Molière wrote it almost 350 years ago. Considered to be one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature, Molière’s other works include The Imaginary Invalid, The School for Wives and The Misanthrope.

Lane promises a present-day reimagining of the play, “Triad Stage has a reputation for presenting classics in bold, new ways. Our modern day production of Tartuffe will shake it up to uncover the story’s contemporary spirit.”

The inclusion of Tartuffe also heralds the return of the highly respected husband and wife acting team of Gordon Joseph Weiss and Rosie McGuire, last seen together as Jeeter Lester and Sister Bessie Rice in Triad Stage’s critically-acclaimed 2007 production of Tobacco Road. Weiss and McGuire will lead a ten-member cast in a production that headlines THTR 232 – Triad Stage and UNC-Greensboro Department of Theatre’s annual summer theater festival. Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite will run for three weeks, from June 7 through June 28, 2009.

Tickets purchased for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will be valid for Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite. 2008-2009 Season Passholders and single ticket holders who have questions about their tickets can contact the Triad Stage Box Office at (336) 272-0160 or toll-free at (866) 579-TIXX (8499).

 

About Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite
Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite
A Classic Comedy by Molière, translated by Curtis Hidden Page
Adapted and directed by Preston Lane
Orgon is a very happy man. He has a lovely family, a beautiful new wife, an incredible fortune and a spiritual advisor who promises him eternal bliss. Unfortunately, he is about to lose it all. He’s fallen into the trap of a pious imposter, the hilarious hypocrite Tartuffe. Preaching piety, two faced Tartuffe is plotting to steal Orgon’s fortune, marry his daughter, seduce his wife and take over his home. Can anything stop him? Triad Stage presents one of the world’s funniest comedies and dares to shake up a theatrical classic to find its contemporary spirit.

 

About Triad Stage
Triad Stage is a professional not-for-profit regional theatre company based in Greensboro’s downtown historic district. All Triad Stage productions are created in Greensboro using the best of local and national talent. Triad Stage gratefully acknowledges the support of its Season Sponsors: Mitre Agency, the North Carolina Arts Council and the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro. The starring sponsor of Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite is the VF Corporation.

All Triad Stage productions feature the bold acting and breathtaking design that have been nationally recognized by The Wall Street Journal and haveearned the theatre accolades including “One of the Best Regional Theatres in America”, New York’s Drama League; “Best Live Theater”, Go Triad/News & Record and The Rhinoceros Times; and “Professional Theater of the Year”, North Carolina Theatre Conference. 

 

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CALENDAR EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE:
Triad Stage presents
Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite
A Classic Comedy
by Molière
June 7 – 28, 2009

Performed at the Pyrle Theater
232 South Elm Street
Greensboro, NC 27401

Orgon is a very happy man. He has a lovely family, a beautiful new wife, an incredible fortune and a spiritual advisor who promises him eternal bliss. Unfortunately, he is about to lose it all. He’s fallen into the trap of a pious imposter, the hilarious hypocrite Tartuffe. Preaching piety, two faced Tartuffe is plotting to steal Orgon’s fortune, marry his daughter, seduce his wife and take over his home. Can anything stop him? Triad Stage presents one of the world’s funniest comedies and dares to shake up a theatrical classic to find its contemporary spirit.

 

For tickets:
Phone: (336) 272-0160
Toll-free: (866) 579-TIXX (8499)
Box Office hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Online: www.triadstage.org
Ticket prices: $10 – $42, depending on performance date and seat location

Group tickets:
Call (336) 274-0067 ext. 218
Email: groupsales@triadstage.org
Ticket discounts: Groups of 10 – 49, 15% off; Groups of 50+, 20% off

Educators’ 20% discount tickets:
Current school teachers and professors receive a 20% discount off regular price tickets to all performances. Must present valid school employee ID or proof of employment to Box Office when picking up tickets. Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply.
Call: (336) 272-0160 or toll-free (866) 579-TIXX (Mon – Fri, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Ticket prices: $8 – $33.60, depending on performance date and seat location

$8 Student Rush tickets:
Current students with valid school ID may purchase tickets for $8. Student Rush tickets are only available at the Triad Stage Box Office one hour before each performance. Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply.
Available at the Box Office for walk-up sales. (Performance days: Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sunday matinees 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

$10 Gallery Seats:
A limited number of $10 general admission gallery seats are available for each performance.
Call: (336) 272-0160 or toll-free (866) 579-TIXX (Mon – Fri, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Also available at the Box Office for walk-up sales.

Tartuffe, or the Hypocrite Performance dates:
Sunday, June 7 7:30 p.m.  1st Preview  
Tuesday, June 9 7:30 p.m.  Preview/“Technically Talking” post-show discussion
Wednesday, June 10 7:30 p.m.  Preview  
Thursday, June 11 7:30 p.m.  Opening Night with free pre-show lobby party
Friday, June 12 8:00 p.m.  “Wine Tasting” pre-show event
Saturday, June 13 8:00 p.m. 
Sunday, June 14 2:00 p.m.  “InSight Series” post-show discussion
Sunday, June 14 7:30 p.m.  “Pay-What-You-Can” performance
Tuesday, June 16 7:30 p.m.  “Pay-What-You-Can” performance
Wednesday, June 17 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 18 7:30 p.m.  “PostScript” post-show discussion with the cast
Friday, June 19 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 20 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 21 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 21 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 23 7:30 p.m.  Sign-interpreted performance
Wednesday, June 24 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 25 7:30 p.m. 
Friday, June 26 8:00 p.m.  
Saturday, June 27 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 28 2:00 p.m. 
Sunday, June 28 7:30 p.m. Closing performance