Is Tartuffe a saint or sinner?

That is the main question broached by the cast of a mysterious character contemplated so often that it is a wonder if Tartuffe is less a person than legend.  However, when Tartuffe does appear, plenty of drama lay in his wake.

Directed comically by Bryn Boice and translated by Richard Wilbur, Hub Theatre Company of Boston presents Molière’s satirical comedy drama Tartuffe live and in person at the Boston Center for the Arts in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, November 24.  This semi-interactive and somewhat play-within-a play runs approximately two hours with an intermission and all shows are at a pay-what-you-can basis.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Though Molière ’s satirical comedy Tartuffe takes place during King Louis XIV’s reign in 1664, Hub Theatre Company of Boston mixes many aspects of the contemporary with the 17^th Century French Common Era in costumes and nuanced dialogue.  Costume designer Marissa Wolf and Wig Maven Liv Curnen blend historical French high fashion including decorated coiffed wigs, silks, trendy lace up shoes, crinoline, and vivid patterns including paisley and tartan to match with jeans, sneakers, and racer striped pants which provides a bit of a contemporary edge.  Lily Ayotte as Mariane’s crinoline skirt cage however, felt gnawingly incomplete without a skirt over it even if it is in the name of high fashion.

Tartuffe, spoken in melodious coupling rhyme, is easy on the ears and adds lightheartedness to the production especially during its most serious moments.  June Kfoury as Madam Parnelle baits the hook on Tartuffe as she humorously lambastes everyone in the room including her family in a marvelously frank and offhanded manner except the one person absent and proclaims an unpopular opinion:  She considers Tartuffe a saint and praises his bold candidness.

Brooks Reeves as oblivious Orgon also thinks the sun rises and sets on Tartuffe and although Orgon comes off as a bit one dimensional, Reeves leans into the character’s absurdity and stubbornness to craft a character you end up rooting for. 

Lily Ayotte as sweet and obedient Mariane is one of the best parts of the production.  Her engagement with the audience, reactions and physical comic timing is impeccable.  Ayotte and Robert Thorpe II as Valère share amusing chemistry and their scenes are full of charming banter.  Lauren Elias as maid Dorine is one of the few voices of reasons and a scene stealer in her own right navigating the plot through reason, good intentions, a good deal of sarcasm, and some popcorn (which acts as a fabulous gag during the show). 

Laura Rocklyn portrays cool and collected Elmire with finesse.  Elmire is a dynamic role and Rocklyn brings determination and confidence, especially to her more absurd scenes with Reeves and Jeremy Beazlie as Tartuffe, performing to great lengths for a laugh.

However, Jeremy Beazlie as Tartuffe, well, there is not much question how Tartuffe lives up to his legend which will not be revealed here.  Tartuffe explores hypocrisy and secrets while historically speaking to what was happening in France at the time and Beazlie depicts it to a fault stirring up a lot more than rumors by the time he takes the stage.

Though Tartuffe may not be for everyone, it boasts a strong cast and witty moments that keeps one guessing how this unbridled string of events will end up right through the very end.

Hub Theatre Company of Boston presents Molière ’s satirical comedy Tartuffe live and in person at the Boston Center for the Arts in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, November 24.  This semi-interactive and somewhat play-within-a play runs approximately two hours with an intermission and all shows are at a pay-what-you-can basis.  Click here for more information and for tickets.