Review: The Misanthrope
Limelight Playhouse, 10634 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, 213-466-1767
by Jeff Nelson
Molière, like Shakespeare, often challenges contemporary acting troupes to find new ways of presenting old material. The Onstage Company, a new group of actors operating under the artistic direction of Mel Shapiro, has met this challenge in their debut production of The Misanthrope by substituting a modern gym for the royal court, and a shallow, back-stabbing group of body-worshipers for the aristocratic elite of Molière’s play. While hearing Spandex-clad weightlifters spouting rhyming couplets is a bit jarring at first, this bright and enthusiastic cast rapidly transcends this somewhat artificial modernization with first-rate performances and professional zeal. It is no small task to keep these endless rhymes from descending into a boring sing-song recitation, a common problem of more pedestrian efforts, but this sparkling interpretation gives intelligent and witty delivery from beginning to end.
The visual and verbal humor of The Misanthrope were well received by a supportive and appreciative audience. As Alceste, the misanthrope of the title, James Shanta manages to walk a fine line between disagreeable social nuisance and heroic voice in the wilderness, but his ravings against the superficialities of modern relations hardly ever stir up anything stronger than a remote intellectual curiosity about the problem. Nevertheless, Shanta’s thoughtful portrayal succeeds overwhelmingly when it comes to conveying modern dissatisfaction and alienation from one’s peers.
The supporting cast is excellent throughout. The easy-going and clownish Philinte (James Nardini) is a good foil for the grouchy but honest Alceste, and Paul Ramirez is engagingly foppish as the Spanish-speaking Clitandre. Arsinoe, the jealous rival for Alceste’s affections, is played by Lisa Stewart with the kind of prudish ridiculousness that would make Marilyn Quayle proud.
Of all the gems in this production, however, none glitters more brightly than Lynn Clark as Celimene. She is perfect as the coy beauty who drives all to distraction with the sharp wit and questionable morals. Clark is by turns flirtatious, spirited, scheming, and insolent, but at all times a self-disciplined actress whose natural manner and engaging sweetness are consistently applied with just the right touch.
In the program for this production of The Misanthrope, the Onstage Company commits itself to “presenting plays of social and educational significance, broadening the availability and appeal of theatre through new and established works that are provocative, controversial, entertaining and that might not otherwise have a platform to reach their audience.” This production is an auspicious beginning for this new company, and marks the start of what promises to be a superb company and a welcome addition to the NoHo Arts District.♦