Tartuffe

by Molière

directed by Theodore Swetz

Helen F. Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson PAC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   MEDIA CONTACT:  Tracey Mershon

816.478.6299; 816.289.0027

tracey@mershonandmcdonald.com

Ellen McDonald

816.444.0052

FOR TICKETS:       816.235.6222

UMKC Production of “Tartuffe” Will Draw Laughter and

Resonate with Timeless Message

KANSAS CITY, MO (September 16, 2008) – Considered hilariously scandalous, banned in its day, and yet still a favorite today among audiences, the comedy “Tartuffe” by Molière will be presented by the UMKC Theatre program from Sept. 27 to Oct. 5 in the Helen F. Spencer Theatre at the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center.  

“Tartuffe’s brilliance is that it provides a commentary on society that is still relevant today,” said Theodore Swetz, the Patricia McIlrath Endowed Professor of Acting and director of the play.

On Sat., Oct. 4, UMKC will host the 4^th Annual Benefit for UMKC Theatre Student Scholarships. The special evening will feature a pre-performance reception at 6:30 p.m. with the performance of “Tartuffe” at 7:30 p.m. and include a dessert intermission. Reservations requested by Sept. 26, 2008. Tickets are $50 through the Central Ticket Office, 816.235.6222.

First performed in 1664 in Paris, “Tartuffe” took a comical look at France’s religious leaders and exposed the hypocrisy that existed in the church. French audiences loved the play; however it was soon banned. The play returned and was banned again in1667. Finally, five years after it was written, “Tartuffe” was allowed to remain on the stage to the absolute delight of French audiences.

Patrick Du Laney, a fourth-year UMKC M.F.A. student, plays Tartuffe. Du Laney has performed locally as Jud in “Oklahoma!” for New Theatre Restaurant; Brendan in “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” for Unicorn Theatre; and Mitch in “A Streetcar Named Desire” for Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre.

Other notable performers are Elana Kepner, who portrays Madame Pernelle; Jason Reynolds as Orgon; and Jess Akin as Cléante. Kepner hails from the San Francisco Bay Area where she played the title role in the U.S. premiere of “Ariel” for Wilde Irish Productions and Rosalind for the Valley Shakespeare Festival’s “As You Like It.”

Jason Reynolds, a third-year MFA student, is a Resident Teaching Artist at the Coterie Theatre where he teaches clown and acting classes. Previous acting credits include Heart of America Shakespeare Festival: “Romeo & Juliet”; The Strand Theatre: Picasso in “Picasso at the Lapin Agile”; Houston Shakespeare Festival: Hamlet, “As You Like It”; and Houston Children’s Theatre Festival: “Snow White,” “The Wolf and the Foolish Little Kids,” and “The Princess and the Pea.”

Jess Akin, also a third-year MFA student, has performed at the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s productions of “Romeo and Juliet” and “Othello”; and the Coterie Theatre’s “In Spite of Thunder: The Macbeth Project.”

Theodore Swetz is nationally recognized for his acting and directing career. His acting credits at the Kansas City Rep are numerous and include Max in “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” Argan in “The Imaginary Invalid,” and Gloucester in “King Lear.” Last season, Swetz acted the role of Donny in the Theatre department’s joint production of “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” at the Unicorn, where he has also directed “Mojo,” “All in the Timing,” “Sideman” and “Rabbit Hole.” Other directing credits include “Talley’s Folly” for Actors Theater KC, “Ferdinand the Bull” at the Coterie and “The Cripple of Inishmaan” for Nebraska Repertory Theater as well as “Twelfth Night,” and “The Country Wife” for UMKC.

“Tartuffe” is the second of six graduate productions in the UMKC Theatre program’s 2008-2009 Season, which kicked off in mid-September with “The Heidi Chronicles.”

Season tickets for the six graduate productions and two additional undergraduate shows are $79 for adults and $40 for students. Single tickets are available through the Central Ticket Office at 816.235.6222. Single tickets are adults, $15; seniors $10; students, $6; and groups of 10 or more, $5 each. 

“Tartuffe” Performance Dates:

More information is available online at www.umkc.edu/theatre/.

UMKC Theatre has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the top graduate theatre training programs in the country. The program trains a select group of highly talented actors, designers, stage managers and dramaturges for careers in the performing arts. Graduates from the UMKC program are invited to the most prestigious New York competitions and auditions to exhibit their work and secure positions with national and international performing companies. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) and is a member of the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA).

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.  UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a three-part mission: visual and performing arts, health sciences, and urban engagement. UMKC has been designated as Missouri’s Campus for the Arts.

For interviews and press passes to performances, contact Tracey Mershon, 816.478.6299 or tracey@mershonandmcdonald.com.

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Director's Bio

Ted Swetz (Director) began his career with the NY Shakespeare Festival performing in Central Park and Lincoln Center.  For ten years, as a founding member of the “Tony”-nominated American Players Theatre, Ted acted, directed and served as Associate Artistic Director.  He has had a nationally recognized acting and directing career and Ted’s acting credits at the KC Rep are numerous and include Max in Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Argan in The Imaginary Invalid and Gloucester in King Lear. Last season Ted acted the role of Donny in the department’s joint production of The Lieutenant of Inishmore at the Unicorn, where he has also directed Mojo, All in the Timing, Sideman and Rabbit Hole. Other directing credits include Talley’s Folly for Actors Theater KC, Ferdinand the Bull at the Coterie and The Cripple of Inishmaan for Nebraska Repertory Theater as well as Twelfth Night and The Country Wife for UMKC. Ted currently serves the UMKC Theatre as the Patricia McIlrath Endowed Professor of Acting.