Class consciousness, social climbing, and dreams of being a "somebody" are all forces that drive many people in today's society. While these themes are current, they are also rooted very deeply in the past. The exploits of those struggling to find or change their standing in society can be tragic, or (as revealed on stage in "The Bourgeois Gentleman" last Thursday at the Center for the Arts) outrageously comical. The play enters its second run from Apr. 18-21 at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Written over 300 years ago by Moliere (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin), "The Bourgeois Gentleman" is still a satirical masterpiece. Even today, it pokes fun at the social conventions with the same ferocity it would have in the court of Louis XIV.
Director Vincent O'Neill believes the play continues to be successful because its themes of "affection, hypocrisy, and ambition are universal."
The hero of the story is Monsieur Jourdain (Ben Puglisi), an ignorant and harmless man desperate to become a "gentleman," despite the barrier of being born to a lower class. Jourdain believes that through countless lessons with scholars and frivolous philanthropy, he can be refined.
The people who surround Jourdain indulge him despite his uncultured crassness, knowing that with a touch of flattery they can receive money and gifts for little effort. The only people that refuse to contribute to his wasteful delusions of grandeur are the women closest to him - his wife (Kelly Ferguson), daughter (Elba Sette-Camara) and servant (Angela Cristantello). They find his antics entertaining, but at the same time, aggravating. The relationship between Jordain and the three women provides laughable confrontations and bickering throughout the performance.
Colorful choreography, vulgar puns and an enthusiastic cast create a kaleidoscope of comedy. "The Bourgeois Gentleman" uses exaggerated physical humour to entertain its audience. The movements of the actors and actresses helped to produce some of the funnier moments. This slap-stick style stands out the most in the argument that takes place between the Music Master (Jason R. Bek), the Dance Master (Matt Ericson), the fencing instructor (Allan Mangaser) and the professor of Philosophy (Dan Kozelius).
O'Neill regards the humour in the play as one of the reasons he choose to direct this play.
"The heightened language and the wonderful comedy also attracted me to the script," said O'Neill.
While the play was written in 1670, it is not set in any particular time period. To create this image for the audience, the language and costumes exhibited a meshing of 17th century and contemporary styles. The flamboyant costumes added an element of visual appeal, as well as freshness, to a classic story.
"This was totally not what I was expecting," said Carly Rinaldi, a freshman. "I thought it would be dry because it's old, but it was incredibly funny. We were laughing for most of the show".
