Classic Theatre of Maryland’s production of Tartuffe is a funny and inventive take on a classic French comedy. Molière’s 1664 satire about a schemer who uses religious piety to manipulate the patriarch of a wealthy Parisian family gets even more laughs with the actors in the CTM production playing multiple roles. Directed by Sally Boyett and performed in the Reynolds Tavern’s beer garden, it is a delightful continuation of the company’s annual “Comedy in the Courtyard.”
Dexter Hamlett brings manipulative earnestness to the central role of Tartuffe. Caught by Damis (Brian Davis) trying to seduce Elmire (Daniella Canizales), he urges Orgon (Brian Davis) to “let the boy speak” and offers to leave the house, knowing Orgon will make him stay. He throws himself at Elmire, scooching closer to her on the bench. Expressing humble gratitude for Orgon’s generosity, he is overjoyed at his good luck. As Orgon’s mother, Madame Pernelle, he is acerbic, sharply criticizing each family member and refusing to believe Tartuffe’s wickedness even after it is exposed.
Brian Davis plays Orgon, head of the household, desperately trying to assert authority. He orders Mariana (Daniella Canizales) to change her marriage plans and refutes his family’s feelings about Tartuffe almost out of spite. As Orgon’s son, Damis, he is hot-headed and impulsive, always ready for a fistfight. As Orgon’s brother, Cleante, he tries to dissuade Tartuffe from accepting Orgon’s generosity. As Valere, Mariana’s fiancé, he is upset with her for the change in their plans, for moving away from her, and for turning cold.
Daniella Canizales plays Orgon’s wife Elmire with skillful cunning, carefully yet firmly rebuffing Tartuffe’s first advances, then later encouraging him to trap him. As Orgon’s daughter, Mariana, she exudes innocence, weeping at her father’s insistence on changing her marriage plans and trying to assert her wishes while respecting Orgon’s authority.
Nancy Krebs plays the maid Dorine with gleeful insubordination, speaking her mind about Tartuffe and Orgon even after her master threatens her. She brings Marianna and Valere together after their argument, exasperated that they have let their misunderstanding go so far. She schemes to help them change Orgon’s plans. As an Officer, she is matter-of-fact and quick to restore justice.
Sally Boyett’s costumes evoke the play’s era while quickly identifying each character. Damis, Cleante, Orgon, and Valere all wear different colored jackets, while Mariana wears a shawl over hers and Elmire’s long green dress, and Madame Pernelle has a gold cloak and a large wig. Boyett adds to the comedy with much movement, from the actors circling each other to Elmire’s extended leaning away from Tartuffe as he tries to seduce her. Even more laughs ensue as the actors change costumes and characters mid-scene, sometimes multiple times in a single scene. Further comedy comes from translator Richard Wilbur’s use of rhyming couplets, as the actors acknowledge the occasional odd emphasis to make the rhymes work.
Outdoors at Reynolds Tavern, with great food and drinks, Tartuffe makes for a pleasant summer evening.
Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission
Tartuffe plays Tuesday evenings through August 25, 2026, presented by Classic Theatre of Maryland, performing in the outdoor beer garden of Reynolds Tavern – 7 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($61–$89), call the box office at 410-415-3513 or purchase online. Food and drinks at Reynolds are purchased separately.
