Seabury Hall Performing Arts
Presents

The Learned Ladies

The classic French farce by Moliere
in a modern translation by Freyda Thomas

Directed by
Todd Van Amburgh

 Fridays & Saturdays February 26-27, March 5-6, 2010 @ 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 7 @ 3:00 PM

PERFORMANCE STUDIO
Seabury Hall, Makawao

Admission: $11 Adults, $9 Senior Citizens, $5 Students

Information & Reservations:

573-1257

The Learned Ladies Photos

            Seabury Hall Performing Arts presents Moliere’s funniest comedy, The Learned Ladies, directed by Todd Van Amburgh. Beehive wigs meet hipster conmen in this production, set in the 1950s, at the dawn of the Women’s Lib movement. This recent adaptation by Freyda Thomas updates the play to our times but preserves the rhyming dialogue that is the signature of Moliere’s champagne style.

             The “Learned Ladies,” played by Tatiana Bradley, Ariella Brandon, and Megan Kirton, are in the thrall of a couple of poet-con men (Miles Kelsey and Drew Streb). This holds up the wedding plans of Henriette (Scarlett Engle) and Clitandre (Hayden Ezzy), much to the dismay of the men of the house (Clyde Engle and Kai Spence) aided by Makena Wright and Gregory Gagliardi.

            Set in the intimate three-quarter round, the 50s period costumes, wigs, and gloves are designed by Marsha Kelly. For information & reservations call 573-1257.

Additional Info:

           The Learned Ladies is all about how a fad takes over a normal home and sends all its inhabitants into crazed hilarious behavior before the fad is unmasked.

            Moliere grew up watching the improvisational comedy of commedia dell’ arte traveling troupes. All of Moliere’s plays use these stories to investigate the foibles of the middle class – their fads and follies. He’s the king of domestic comedy -- the comedy of situation, in the home – of domestic issues: marriage, the generation gap, or fads.

            “Learned Ladies is my favorite Moliere,” says director Van Amburgh. “I think it’s hands-down the funniest comedy in classical drama.. The new translation—so bright and contemporary – will amaze audiences expecting a Shakesperian adjustment in their ear.”