(7 February 1655 – 4 September 1709, "the most distinguished playwright after Moliere") brought up to date as far as language by David Ives. The impressive stage set and costumes remain in the 17th century.
It is a farce about a group of family and servants trying to trick an old man into leaving them his wealth, a sort of prequel to Gianni Schichi.
Mr. Ives has kept the dialogue in rhymed couplets, which at first tended to drive me crazy, but by the second act I was used to the rather inane translation from the French and enjoyed the play.
Nate BurgerThe fine cast included Jessie Fisher as Lisette, Cliff Saunders as Crispin, Nate Burger as Eraste, Linda Kimbrough as Mme. Argante, Paxton Whitehead as Geronte, Emily Peterson as Isabelle, and Patrick Kerr as Scruple.
Emily PetersonThe fascinating set included a large clock that farts the hours, a stage full of elegant furniture, and a chest, which supposedly holds the old man's money. Early in the production, they manage to open the chest and find 40,000 francs. They also find a copper sou, which they toss out the window. At the end of the play, when the old man has a change of heart, he tells them that the money is in the farting clock.
Eraste leaps from the window to find the coin. When they insert it in the clock, it opens and pours out gold coins, much like a slot machine.
It made for a fun evening, which was preceded by Dover Sole at Riva! Right next to the theatre on Navy Pier. Fabulous!!
