The Misanthrope

Boulevard Theatre opens its season with a modern twist on an old comedy as it presents its production of Moliere’s The Misanthrope – moved from 17th-century France to contemporary Quebec, set in an art gallery and spiced up with a liberal dose of gender-bending.

The new floor of the renovated Boulevard is a rich, deep wood that suits the setting well. A single bench sits center stage, in tune with the clean, modern set dressing and costuming — a nearly flawless visual presentation from beginning to end. The rhythm of Moliere’s story may not be perfectly rendered, but the production more than redeems itself elsewhere, in jovial performances and impeccable presentation.

David Flores stars as Alceste – in this production, a visual/performing arts critic falling for Cesarmene (Cesar Gamino), a flirtatious gallery owner. “Cesarmene” is the Boulevard’s male adaptation of Célimène – a coquettish young lady in the original script.

As the play opens, Alceste is having a philosophical discussion with his friend Philinte – another gender-swapped role, played with charisma by Beth Monhollen. Philinte and Alceste discuss the difference between tact and honesty in modern society. Dramatic presentation usually offers a more casual introduction to characters before barreling into abstract philosophical debate, and with less sophisticated treatment, this conversation might be an immediate turn-off for a contemporary audience. But Flores and Monhollen deliver Moliere’s rhythmic rhyming couplets with understated drama and intellectual passion, making the first scene bearable and even exciting. The Misanthrope was selected as a vehicle for Flores, and he justifies the choice marvelously.

Joe Frasee delivers a fun performance as Oronte, a poet in the original play framed here as a “spoken word/performance artist,” a flamboyant gentleman every bit as enamored with Cesarmane as Alceste. Oronte demands Alceste’s frank impression of a sonnet he’s written, and Alceste, despite his better judgment, agrees to hear the piece – which Oronte performs wearing nothing more than a pair of shiny red underpants.

Cesar Gamino as Cesarmene plays Alceste’s decisive opposite. There is balance between opposing forces in the ensemble, but the balance between Gamino and Flores as Alceste and Cesarmene is most striking. Alceste’ longing for truth and honesty is matched by Cesarmene’s innate desire for pleasantly flattering dishonesty. Their dynamic is captivating and carries the tension of the play.

We’re no longer at the point in art history where gender-bending is a shock, but even more conservative theater-lovers should be pleased by this production – besides the gender and name changes and cheeky choices, this is Moliere’s original Misanthrope – performed with total respect and deference. VS

The Boulevard Theatre’s production of The Misanthrope runs through August 24. For more information, call 414-744-5757 or visit the Boulevard online.