FMU theatre students perform five-act comedy

Members of the FMU Theatre Program performed the play “The Miser,” written by French playwright Molière, performed from Feb. 7-10 and once in the daytime on Feb. 10. The five-act comedy was centered around love and money.

Professor of Theatre Arts Keith Best directed the production of “The Miser” which took place in the FMU Performing Arts Center Blackbox Theatre.

“The Miser” follows the story of Harpagon, played by Malcolm Parker, who is only concerned with money and marrying his children off. Harpogon’s children, Élise and Cléante, were played by Melissa Gragg and Kevin Holloway.

As the play went on, the audience saw Harpagon become more greedy. The audience finds out Harpagon is hoarding money, and his fear of someone finding the money he had hidden in his backyard became more intense.

Harpagon’s paranoia increased, and he became worried about marrying his children off. Harpagon wanted to marry his own son’s lover. He also wanted to his daughter to marry an older rich man named Anselme.

Harpagon’s children try to find a way to foil Harpagon’s plans to ruin their happiness. Eventually, Harpagon’s hidden money is found and he demands the person who found it be hung. Cléante held the money over Harpagon’s head and says the money will be returned if he and his sister can marry who they want.

Harpagon agrees when he finds out that the man he wanted Élise to marry, Anselme, was actually the father of Valère and Mariane, played by Christopher Steele and Joy Price. Valère and Mariane were the love interests of his children.

Harpagon agreed to let his children marry who they want because Anselme said he would pay Harpagon a substantial amount of money to let everyone marry as they wished. At the end of the play, the couples go off and get married and Harpagon lives with his money.

Parker said his goal was to stay true to his character.

“It was a responsibility that, from the very beginning, I made a goal to do right,” Parker said. “From the beginning it was, to me, a big responsibility, and I hope I did it justice.”

Parker said because his character was the oldest in the play, it held even more challenges than playing a young character.

“It’s not everyday you get to play a titular character,” Parker said. “He is the oldest character in the play and he has to be the most active.”

Jared Cole, assistant professor of theatre arts, designed a playground for the set, consisting of a swing set and jungle gym.

According to Parker, the set was representative of many different issues going on in the world.

“I would say it represents the fact that many adult problems are just childlike problems, but a bit more complicated,” Parker said. “Honestly, it captures the audience’s attention, because when people look at “The Miser” by Moliere, they are more than likely not expecting a playground, with children in sneakers and fake mustaches.”

The childlike feel of the set is not the only thing about “The Miser” that stands out. Throughout the play, there were several sexual jokes made to intensify the plot.

According to Parker, the scenes are always fun because he and the cast have a good dynamic.

“Joy Price, who played Marianne, keeps telling me her reactions are real, because I play off the ‘disgusting old man’ well,” Parker said. “She dares me to make her feel as uncomfortable as possible, so whenever we do that scene together, we always have a good laugh about it afterwards.”

One of Harpagon’s signature moves was thrusting his hips. Parker said he had to put his body to good use.

“As for the hip thrust, let’s just say it’s Harpagon’s signature move,” Parker said. “How do you think he made his 10,000 crowns?”

Hailey Reed, sophomore psychology major, said her favorite part of the play was when Harpagon addressed an audience member as part of an adlib.

“I saw Harpagon address our honors advisor, Dr. Tuttle, and it was hilarious,” Reed said.