Tartuffe

Classic stage actor Brian Bedford, a Molire specialist, anchors this famous comedy with a vivid, credible Tartuffe, a scheming religious hypocrite, by turns oily, whiny, prurient, and ferocious. The other performers, while not as inspired, are solidly proficient and do especially well at subtly underscoring the laugh lines. A list of the characters, especially beforehand, is sorely missed; those unfamiliar with the play may have trouble pinning down who's who, especially by voice alone. The rhyming verse of premier Molire translator Richard Wilbur, while clever and facile, and recited with easy naturalness by the actors, may occasionally sound jingly to modern ears. But this is a fine performance of a classic that is still relevant and often funny. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

Starred review from February 15, 2011

This is an audio recording of a live stage performance of Pulitzer Prize winner Wilbur's celebrated translation of one of Moliere's most popular plays, a 1664 social satire exposing hypocrisy in the Catholic Church. Timing proves to be the cornerstone of this successful production as Brian Bedford, John de Lancie, Martin Jarvis, Alex Kingston, and seven other talented actors keep a steady and believable rhythm throughout their performances, responding to one another with just the right comedic timing. A fantastic listen recommended for those who enjoy full-cast productions, audio dramas, and classic satire. [See Publisher Spotlight, p. 76.--Ed.]--Lance Eaton, Peabody, MA

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