A contemporary version of Molière’s most successful comedy!

The Miser

Step into a world of biting absurdity and timeless truths with Molière in the Park's The Miser, re-imagined for today's world.

Cast

Starring MaYaa Boateng, Alana Raquel Bowers, Francesca Faridany, Lisa Gorlitsky, Lakisha May, Ismenia Mendes, Daniel Pearce, and Calvin Leon Smith!

Translated and adapted by David Chambers

Directed by Lucie Tiberghien

Creative team: Producer: Garth Belcon , Set: Marie Yokoyama , Lights: Stoli Stolnack, Costumes: Jessica Irvin, Composer: Paul Brill

Background

Written in 1668 and presented upward of 2500 times over the next 350 years at the Comédie Française alone, "The Miser" is Molière’s most successful play, both in France and internationally.

With this production, MIP will once again reinvent Molière for today's world while also keeping with our desire to stay true to the original French. We will both lean into non-traditional casting choices, including casting women in male roles and swapping genders, to highlight persistent biases, deconstruct existing power dynamics, and look into the barrel of existential paranoia and greed. Additionally, with the permission of David Chambers, certain passages will be revised employing direct translation from the original French.

The Story

Harpagon, a newly widowed geezer, consumed by fear of losing his wealth, will do anything to save his fortune. When he announces that he has found love again and is ready to wed, the ultimate rebellion begins. Through a series of outlandish events and misunderstandings, the entire household is forced to face the true cost of Harpagon’s folly before they see the light again.

A note from Board President, Kaliswa Brewster:

We are thrilled to be able to bring our third free production to Brooklyn’s backyard, Prospect Park. This year, we are aiming to reach 7,000 individuals, for many of whom, experiencing theater will be a first. In this time of division and unrest, we believe that live theater can unite and heal.

Molière’s plays written in France 350 years ago may seem like unlikely vehicles to look at the social and political issues of our times but surprisingly, they always question, confront, provoke and demand that we pay attention. Rather than preach, they hold up a mirror and ask us to look, and laugh. Brooklyn is a microcosm of The United States and of the global world, it is home to every type of person, from every culture and every background. MIP’s goal is to break through the silos and foster community across all of our micro groups. What does it look like to create a theater space where everyone feels welcome and at home? We believe it looks like Molière in the Park- where people from all walks of life are sitting together shoulder to shoulder, breathing the same air, laughing and reflecting, together.

Produced by Molière in the Park, in partnership with LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park Alliance and in collaboration with The Brooklyn Public Library.

THIS PROGRAM IS SUPPORTED, IN PART, BY PUBLIC FUNDS FROM THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY COUNCIL.

This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Thank you to all of our donors!

Including: New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Evelyn Sharp Foundation, The American Society of The French Legion of Honor.

Angel Producer: Thomas Kail. Season Producer: Samira Wiley. Visionary Producers: Jon and Elizabeth Weiswasser, and Sybilla and Alex Balkanski, and Carter Redwood. Executive Producers: Puth Family Foundation, Stephan Haimo and Veronica Bulgari, Nikola and Dana Duravcevic, Mimi O'Donnell. Producers: Bill and Judy Steul, Mary Vines. Associate Producer: Jenny Allen

Sponsors: The Araca Group, The Ryan and Ryan Team

We wish to express our gratitude to the Performers’ Unions: ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS, AMERICAN GUILD OF VARIETY ARTISTS, SAG-AFTRA through Theatre Authority, Inc. for their cooperation in permitting the Artists to appear on this program.