Constellation Theatre: The School For Lies

 Inspired by Moliere's "The Misanthrope," "The School for Lies" by David Ives is a farce just as fun!  Written entirely in verse, a good vocabulary will certainly enhance your experience.  The lines come fast a furious and are full of gems with an occasional utterly contemporary term like "LOL" just to remind you that this isn't a 17th century comedy. 

No loose ends in the acting department.  By calling out a few, it isn't meant to be a slight of the others.  With the fewest lines and the most sight gags as Dubois, Matthew Pauli had the best comic timing.  Ria Simpkins as Eliante demonstrated a fearless commitment to the physical comedy and had the best facial expressions that without a word often set me to laughing.  Of the three suitors, Ryan Sellers as Acaste was the funniest.  The character's persona is built on the conceit that Acaste is supremely stupid, but handsome.

The story revolves around the lost love of Celimene, played delightfully by Natalie Cutcher, and her attempt to find a new husband when a handsome stranger arrives named Frank, played by Drew Kopas, and nearly two hours of hi-jinx ensue.  

The set was gorgeously gaudy and the costumes were likewise as colorful and foppish.  I just loved this one!

The Entire Ensemble: [L-R] Eliante (Ria Simpkins), Philinte (Dylan Arredondo), Arsinoe (Gwen Grastorf), Dubois/Basque (Matthew Pauli), Celimene (Natalie Cutcher), Frank (Drew Kopas), The Three Suitors: Clitander (Jamil Joseph), Acaste (Ryan Sellers), and Oronte (Jacob Yeh)

Celimene being accosted by her "dearest" friend and arch enemy Arsinoe.

Frank in a moment of confusion unleashed the unrequited desires of Eliante.

The three Suitors make their moves hoping to get a "yes" from Celimene.

However, in the end it is revealed that Frank is actually Celimene's long lost husband comeback in disguise to prove the faithfulness of her love.