On Theater: SCR taps its roots with ‘Tartuffe’

When South Coast Repertory launched its mission to enchant and entertain Orange County theatergoers in 1965, the first weapon in its arsenal was Moliere’s “Tartuffe,” hailed by critics (including this one) as a new dimension in local theater.

Since the company traces its origins to a three-show summer in Long Beach in 1964, this is its 50th anniversary season, and it’s ending with the same play that introduced SCR to local audiences. But this isn’t your father’s, or grandfather’s, “Tartuffe.”

The current production — adapted by David Ball and directed by Dominique Serrand — is spectacular, in scope and ensemble performance. Greed and hypocrisy run rampant (as do several servants) through Moliere’s story, told in rhyming couplets with the interpretive pedal pressed firmly to the metal.

This now-familiar story of a religious zealot, who holds a wealthy Frenchman in thrall as he contrives to relieve his host of his possessions and his wife, is told with dramatic flourish, recreating the opulence of 17th century Paris. Passions and resentment run high as the master demands that his family accept this “holy man” — whom he envisions marrying his young daughter over her fervent objections.

Tartuffe doesn’t appear until the middle of the first act, but by that time, we know all about him, thanks to the conflicting opinions of the master, his family and his servants. It’s only a matter of time before he’s undone, but that time is filled with heavy premonition — and hearty laughter.

Steven Epp, in the title role of the quintessential hypocrite, spins his faux appearance of piety skillfully, feigning religious zealotry with grand gestures and pious pronouncements, grudgingly accepting the wealth and position heaped upon him by the nobleman Orgon. Epp excels at establishing his pseudo-sainted character, then slithering into his true convictions.

Playing the bull-headed Orgon, snared in his guest’s web, Luverne Seifert presents a driving force of near impregnability, dismissing the fears and feelings of his wife (Cate Scott Campbell) and daughter (Lenne Klingaman), whom he plans to marry to Tartuffe. When finally aware of his guest’s subterfuge, his rage is, predictably, rampant.

Moliere’s servants often upstaged their masters, and Suzanne Warmanen continues that tradition brilliantly as she fervently protests Orgon’s intentions and comforts Klingaman’s Mariane with defiant conviction. Even given her position, Warmanen is a force to be reckoned with.

Defiance also is a term applicable to Gregory Linington’s portrayal of Cleante, Mariane’s true intended. Linington fiendishly overplays his role, apparently to heighten its comic effect.

Also effective in the SCR production are Brian Hostenske as Orgon’s brother, also turned off by Tartuffe, and Michael Manuel, curiously in drag as Orgon’s aging mother, who shares her son’s worshipful attitude toward the guest.

Distractions, however, are present, chiefly in the stage business of the ensemble members playing servants. They’re found everywhere, like flies, even during the central seduction scene when discretion is in order. One even reclines on an upstairs window sill for whatever reason, while other actors hop onto tables, also unmotivated.

The expansive setting is a collaboration between Serrand and longtime SCR set designer Thomas Buderwitz. Sonya Berlovitz’s period costumes are exemplary, and the lighting effects of Marcus Dilliard fit the action splendidly.

“Tartuffe” kick-started South Coast Repertory in 1965, and the current incarnation of Moliere’s classic comedy celebrates the company’s 50th year with all the ruffles and flourishes it merits. Here’s to 50 more years of theatrical significance.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot.

If You Go

What: “Tartuffe”

Where: South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 650 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays through June 8 (no 7:30 p.m. performance June 8)

Cost: Tickets start at $22

Information: (714) 708-5555 or https://www.scr.org