Worst. Houseguest. Ever.

Orgon is a good man, if perhaps a little too credulous. After meeting the affable Tartuffe on the streets of Paris, Orgon not only invites the saintly stranger to live with him, he further hands over all decision making to this man who claims to speak with divine authority. Orgon's wife, Elmire, and his children, Damis and Mariane, are not convinced of Tartuffe's piety; even the maid, Dorine, can see through Tartuffe's oleaginous charm, but Orgon is steadfast in his faith in Tartuffe. So steadfast, in fact, that he announces Mariane is no longer betrothed to her loving Valère, but will instead marry you-know-who. Every scheme Elmire and Dorine conceive to reveal Tartuffe's true nature is foiled by the glib hypocrite, even when he's caught in the act of declaring his lust for Elmire. What can stop this canny wolf from destroying the family? Mustard Seed Theatre presents Richard Wilbur's translation of the French classic Tartuffe at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday (April 23 through May 9) at the Fontbonne University Black Box Theatre in the Fine Arts Building (6800 Wydown Boulevard; 314-719-8060 or www.mustardseedtheatre.com). Tickets are $15 to $30).
Thursdays-Sundays. Starts: April 23. Continues through May 9, 2010