Costumes are the key to school's period play

When a religious charlatan takes over the lives of Orgon and his mother, their family members understandably are concerned.

The fraud, Tartuffe, even winds up engaged to Orgon's daughter.

Though Moliere's comedy is based in the 17th century, it has all the latest drama captured by tabloid media.

Students at Glenbard North High School are tackling the play -- in period garb -- at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday.

Director Nathan King said he has wanted to do a period play for quite some time at the school and thought "Tartuffe" fit the bill.

He said they cut back in other areas so they could afford the ornate period costumes necessary to give the performance its full flavor.

The play highlights hypocrisy and false piety, something that's brought to light when Tartuffe tries to seduce Orgon's wife. Orgon, who refuses to believe his houseguest has faults, interrupts and tries to have him arrested.

Unfortunately, he learns Tartuffe tricked him into turning over all his wealth to the charlatan.

If you go

What: "Tartuffe," a period comedy by Moliere

When: 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday

Where: Glenbard North High School, 990 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream

Details: (630) 681-3399

Cast

Anastasiya Andreeva: Flipote

Cardaeja Burns: Madame Pernelle

Olivia Edmunds-Diez: Elmire

Joey Fitzpatrick: Orgon

Tom Horvath: Tartuffe

Austin Jones: Valére

Jeremy Kaiser: Police Officer

Conner Lindquist: Damis

Missy Montefalco: Dorine

Marina Panopulous: Mariane

Eric Reitz: Loyal

David Zemke: Cléante