Tartuffe in Texas
Like Moliere's original “Tartuffe,” a supposed holy man enters the life of affluent but naïve family and almost succeeds in cheating them out of their home. Now set in current-day Dallas, the wily opportunist is finally exposed, but not before a series of humorous misunderstandings and some rollicking good fun. Grandma Perkins has nothing but praise their boarder, Tartuffe, because he is a man of such holiness and zeal. Father even wants his daughter Maryanne to break her engagement and marry Tartuffe! The siblings agree they must expose Tartuffe's hypocrisy. When they finally convince Father of the man’s hypocrisy, it is too late as Tartuffe is now the legal owner of their estate. Just as the family is about to be evicted, a visiting friend reveals Tartuffe is really a con man and the sheriff takes him away.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT GERALD MURPHY
TALKS ABOUT "TARTUFFE IN TEXAS"
Q.: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS ADAPTATION?
A.: You can't go wrong with Moliere's plot, but I thought changing the language to a simpler American vernacular would make this French genius much more accessible to modern audiences.
Q.: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A.: My favorite part is when the husband hides under the table while Tartuffe is wooing his wife just above him. It was a great sight gag when the show was first performed in 1664 in France, and it still works today.
Q.: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
A.: My main interest in adapting this play was to create a show that was entertaining for the audience and exciting for the performers. Also, this show is educational in that it introduces people to one of Moliere's classic comedies.