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Broderick's Tartuffe: A Twist on Molière's Master Con Man
17 Dec
Summary
- Matthew Broderick plays Tartuffe as an unlikely, mild-mannered figure.
- David Cross portrays Orgon, the patriarch, in a surprising casting choice.
- The production features unconventional casting and bold theatrical choices.
The New York Theater Workshop's revival of Molière's "Tartuffe" offers a unique interpretation, with Matthew Broderick embodying the title character not as a master manipulator, but as an unassuming Everyman. This counterintuitive casting extends to David Cross as the easily duped patriarch, Orgon, presenting a fresh dynamic for the classic French comedy. Director Sarah Benson's vision embraces bold choices, highlighted by the adaptable ensemble navigating Lucas Hnath's modern verse adaptation.
The production boasts a strong supporting cast, including Amber Gray as Elmire and Lisa Kron as the spirited Dorine. Emily Davis and Ryan J. Haddad also impress with their comedic timing as Orgon's children. Despite the play's inherent suspense regarding Tartuffe's true nature, the production’s unconventional staging, including cosmetic tennis motifs, struggles to establish a deep interpretive perspective.
Overall, the staging is visually deluxe, featuring choreography by Raja Feather Kelly and music by Heather Christian, with costumes by Enver Chakartash. While the final musical number echoes Molière's use of a deus ex machina, the production ultimately feels somewhat untethered, lacking a strong guiding concept despite its artistic merits.
