Classic Theatre of Maryland’s production of The Miser is an energetic revival of Molière’s classic French comedy. Directed by Sally Boyett and performed at Reynolds Tavern’s outdoor beer garden, as part of their “Comedy in the Courtyard” series, it is a fun summer’s entertainment.
Dexter Hamlet brings a sternness to Harpagon, the miser of the title. Paranoid about spending money or people stealing his fortune, he swiftly cuts any appeals to generosity. Hunched over, he wields his cane at his servant Jacques (David Polgar) and his son Cleante (Brian Davis) when he suspects them of trying to cheat him. He struggles over a money purse with the matchmaker Frosine (Christine Asero), finally succeeding in slipping his cane over its strings. He falls to the ground wailing when he thinks his money is stolen, and gleefully goes through the chest when it is recovered.
Allison Meyer plays Elise, Harpagon’s daughter, with great emotion concealing craftiness. She sighs deeply at the play’s beginning, in love with Harpagon’s servant Valere (Ryan Kirby), but knowing they cannot get married. Later, trying to help Cleante with his own affair, she comically interrupts him and waves him off before he misspeaks.
Brian Davis brings a sense of desperation to Cleante, Harpagon’s son. In love but without money of his own, he arranges to borrow funds, growing increasingly furious as the conditions become more outrageous. He faints several times at surprise revelations, Elise holding him up while trying to keep his cool.
Ryan Kirby plays Valere, Harpagon’s servant and Elise’s beloved, with great flattery. With Harpagon planning a feast, he convinces the cook (David Polgar) that over-sumptuous food is unnecessary, that people should “eat to live, not live to eat.” Insisting that Elise should follow her father’s desires, he is shocked at Harpagon’s plan to marry her to someone else.
Mackenzie Koehne brings an innocence to Marianne, in love with Cleante but engaged to Harpagon. Everyone sighs contentedly at the mention of her name. She continually moves away from Harpagon as he tries to move closer, and cleverly admits to the situation’s awkwardness to Cleante.
Christine Asero gives a cunning to Frosine, the matchmaker. She flatters Harpagon with Marianne’s deep interest in older men who wear spectacles, prompting him to wear a pair at their first meeting. She throws Marianne at Harpagon when she tries to flee and covers up Cleante’s gaffes when speaking of his love for Marianne. Her struggle with Harpagon over the money purse is hilarious to watch.
David Polgar brings a comic honesty to Jacques, Harpagon’s servant. As both the cook and stableboy he rails against Harpagon’s stinginess, insisting that he needs money to pay for food for a banquet and to feed the starving horses, his “best friends.” He gives a dignity and authority to Anselme, speaking of his past and, with a word, resolving all the conflicts.
Sally Boyett does the costume and sound design, creating outfits reminiscent of 17th-century France, with wigs, vests, and jackets for the upper-class men, and dresses for the women. She also throws out funny sound effects, including a crow cawing at certain amounts of money and Spanish music for the mentions of Senor Anselme. As director, Boyett keeps the actors constantly moving, whether circling each other in conflict or frantically racing on and offstage. They also engage the audience in various ways, such as going around with (empty) bottles in preparation for a party. Along with the delicious food and drink at Reynolds, The Miser makes for a lovely evening of comedy.
Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
The Miser plays Tuesday nights through August 27, 2024, presented by Classic Theatre of Maryland performing in the outdoor beer garden of Reynolds Tavern – 7 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($55–$75), call the box office at 410-415-3513 or purchase online. Food and drinks at Reynolds are not included in the ticket.
