Modern romantic comedy “The Misanthrope” to open in Tohill

Moliere’s 17th Century masterpiece “The Misanthrope,” comes to life on stage this weekend at Rowan University’s Tohill Theatre. The story is full of cunning wit, comedy and introspection on keeping of appearances and the complexities of the human heart,

The life of an aristocrat seems dotted with formal occurrences from sunrise to sunset. However, when reputations and true feelings are discussed, much can be divulged from gossip and insincerity.

“The Misanthrope,” originally written in French, was translated to English by American poet and literary translator Richard Wilbur. For four days, Rowan’s University’s department of theater and dance director Phillip Graneto’s unique approach to the play will be manifested in the performance.

Professor Phillip Graneto believes that “The Misanthrope” is as relevant today as it was on June 4, 1666.

“’The Misanthrope’ explores, love and why people fall in it,” Graneto said. “What is about the human heart that is blind to fact, and open to fantasy? That’s just universal.”

For those with little background in French theater in the 1600s, “The Misanthrope” is a modern romantic comedy. The main character Alceste falls in love with Céliméne, a woman that is the complete opposite of him. As much as he detests dishonesty that is personified in his character, he’s infatuated with a woman that is only charming his affections and doesn’t share his feelings.

Arsinoé, a woman that is known for being prude, is jealous of what is going on between Alceste and Celimene. A host of other characters show their vulnerabilities in love and social appearances. In the performance, each character is exposed to the audience as if their emotions are transparent through their minds.

Each character is complex and misunderstood. The cast features Rowan University students Jennifer Buckley as Basque, Jeff Flood as Clitandre, Laura Fullerton as Arsinoe, Steve Grande as Oronte, Jay Harris as Acaste, Kelsey Malone as Celimene, Alex McCarty as Philinte, Michele Mizeski as Eliante, Jim Quartuccio as Alceste and Juan Sanchez as Dubois.

Today, much like in the 17th century, men and women challenged the perception of life in dating, attraction and reputation. What seems fanatical to one is logical to another.

Harris expressed his view from the perspective of his character Acaste.

“To most, my character is obnoxious and many feel he has a ‘false sense of supreme confidence,’” Harris said. “To him, his reality is his truth. To others he’s blind and deluded. Humility can often be a mask for arrogance and vice versa.

“At times, you have to believe your own truth and you can’t take into account what others say; unless you are being told a lie.”

Quatuccio’s character, Alceste, also faces some of the same criticism as Acaste.

“Alceste hates gossip, false emotions and he’s just honest,” Quatuccio said. “But, to most he comes across as insulting. He just has no filter. Some people can’t take honesty and would rather take falsehoods.”

“The Misanthrope” will be playing this Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for seniors, non-Rowan students, Rowan staff and alumni.

Tickets for Rowan students are free with valid ID. For information and advance tickets, visit rowan.tix.com or call the box office at 856-256-4545.