Starring Tony and Obie winner Gabriel Ebert as Alceste, Molière in the Park's The Misanthrope is set to play Prospect Park's LeFrak Center in Brooklyn. Previews for the free production begin May 13, ahead of opening May 15. The run will continue through May 25.
Alongside Ebert, the cast will feature Rebecca S’Manga Frank, Chris Henry Coffey, Margaret Ivey, Nate Miller, and Kate Siahaan-Rigg. Additional cast members will be announced at a later date.
The production will use a translation of the French work by two-time Pulitzer winner Richard Wilbur. The Misanthrope tells the story of Alceste, who scorns social norms while being in love Célimène, a woman who seems to embody everything Alceste disdains. The comedy follows the aftermath of Alceste's ultimatum that Célimène must choose between him and the world that she loves and he criticizes.
Serving on the creative team are set designer Teresa Williams, lighting designer Stoli Stolnack, sound designer and composer Chad Raines, costume designer Dina El-Aziz, production stage manager Madison Lane, and production manager T Pope Jackson.
Presented in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance and LeFrak Center at Lakeside, the production will be directed by Tiberghien, Molière in the Park's Co-Founding Artistic Director. Producing the work is Garth Belcon, Co-Founding Executive Producer of Molière in the Park.
In a statement about The Misanthrope, Tiberghien says, “Is it a play about a commendable, honest man, Alceste, who heroically sacrifices everything to denounce the lies of his peers and loved ones? Or is it about a reprehensible extremist, a madman, who would rather destroy everything in his path, including the woman he loves, rather than compromise even just a little? No matter what side of the great divide we are on, who are we as individuals, and how do we love in the face of such incomprehensible, unfathomable hypocrisy?”
On May 15, Molière in the Park will host a benefit evening with food and drinks prior to its performance. With a $150 donation, patrons can get access to both the event and performance while supporting Molière in the Park’s mission of offering free theatre in Prospect Park each year.
For more information, visit MoliereInThePark.org.
