'The Misanthrope,' a play to bring out the hypocrite in us

Anyone who has trouble following Shakespeare's English might have better luck with Moliere's French.

Translated by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Richard Wilbur, Jean-Baptiste Moliere's "The Misanthrope" becomes a witty, lyrical, yet conversational series of verbal riffs.

When two rivals trade insults with each other in rhyming couplets, it's a wittier version of a smackdown between modern-day rappers.

As one might expect from the outset of this talky play, very little happens by the end that couldn't have happened more efficiently at the beginning. There's not much action, but this is the prototype for satire.

For a modern age that fawns over appearances and revels in back-stabbing gossip, the 17th-century Parisian setting of "The Misanthrope" still asks audience members to consider how much they take part in what it depicts.

A strong cast from Janus Theatre tells the story of Alceste, a man who condemns the lies of high society but is smitten with its queen, Celemine.

Sean Hargadon makes Alceste come alive as a man so adamant about being above it all that even though he's right, it becomes irritating.

Jocelyn Mills carries off Celimene as a vain beauty who toys with the world until she's forced to face the truth.

And in a play made for over-acting, Sarafina Vecchio wins the prize for her comically unmasked desires and fears. Adding a touch of physical comedy, she gets more mileage out of a peacock feather prop than most actors get out of a loaded gun.

Complimenting the acting, the Elgin Art Showcase is a surprisingly pleasant place to see a play. Hidden on the eighth floor of the Professional Building downtown, the stage is spare but elegant, with the audience close enough to feel the woosh of the characters' garments entering and exiting.

Despite its outrageous period costumes and customs, "The Misanthrope" remains as current as an insulting e-mail accidentally sent to the person being written about.

For those who've never said an unkind word behind someone's back, never felt too good to hang around with supposed social inferiors, and never been embarrassed by those they love, here's a chance to laugh at everyone else.

"The Misanthrope"

3 ½ stars

out of four

Location: The Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin

Times: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 2-18

Running time: two hours

Parking: on street or pay lots

Tickets: $15 regular, $12 student/ senior, $10 for groups of eight or more

Box office: 847-931-0637 or www.janustheatre.org

Rating: general audience