*Western Reserve announces its 2019 Mainstage Season Opener* *“Tartuffe” * *by Molière and translated by Richard Wilbur * *Directed by August Scarpelli * Western Reserve Playhouse opens its exciting 2019 Mainstage Season with Tartuffe, a daring and witty classic comedy that tells the story of a crafty trickster who uses religion as a guise to flatter the vulnerability of a wealthy patriarch. Initially censored following its 1664 premiere, the play is one of Molière’s most famous works. Translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur, and directed by August Scarpelli. A con-man disguised as a pious spiritual leader wheedles his way into the home of a gullible, affluent man in the midst of a mid-life crisis—and promptly sets the household topsy turvy. If not for the quick witted Dorine, grounded Elmire, and infinitely patient Cléante, all might be lost! Deception, lechery, egotism, young love, and delusion collide in Tartuffe. Molière’s classic work skewers religious hypocrisy and self-inflated egotism. Tartuffe hits the heart of present and historical events. “I think it’s a perfect play for current times; this very moment in our history,” observes Artistic Director, Dawn Sniadak-Yamokoski. “In this production of Tartuffe, we can see a fresh outlook on this play. August Scarpelli magically breathes to life this play with humor and passion balancing the relevancy to our current times while keeping the history of this show intact. It does make one wonder what a good con-man could make the naïve believe and see.” WRP’s production of Tartuffe is filled with an extremely talent cast: Tartuffe - Brian Pedaci, Orgon - Jim Fippin, Dorine - Kelsey Tomlinson, Elmire - Mia Radabaugh, Madame Pernelle - Harriet DeVeto, Flipote - Hannah Hilty, Damis - Daniel Hunsicker, Mariane - Kayla Lehman,Valere - Zach Manthey, Cleante - Jay Hill, Monsieur Loyal - Steven Schuerger, Officer - Jeff Bixby Stage Managed by Brianna Laybourn Light Design by Daniel Hunsicker Costume Design by Harry James Set Construction by James Gremba and Justin Herman. Tartuffe runs January 18-February 2, 2019. Tickets are $15 to $17 and can be purchased online at WesternReservePlayhouse.org TITLE: Tartuffe WRITTEN BY: Molière and translated by Richard Wilbur DIRECTOR: August Scarpelli VENUE AND ADDRESS: 3326 Everett Road, Bath, Ohio 44268 RUN DATES: January 18-February 2, 2019 TIMES OF SHOWS: Friday and Saturdays at 8PM, Sunday January 27 at 2PM TICKETS: $17 for Adults and $15 for Students/Seniors BOX OFFICE: 330-620-7314 WEB:WesternReservePlayhouse.org