THE MISANTHROPE by Moliere, directed by Paul Frellick August 26 – September 18 Considered by many to be Moliere’s masterpiece, “The Misanthrope” tells the story of Alceste (played by Roman Pearah), an idealistic young man who is openly critical of the political posturing of Parisian society, yet is in love with a young woman, Célimène (Katja Hill), who thrives on it. The Deep Dish Book Selection is “Mr. Sammler’s Planet” by Saul Bellow, and will be discussed on Thursday, September 16 in the Tyndall Galleries in University Mall.

CHAPEL HILL—Moliere’s “The Misanthrope” will be presented by Deep Dish Theater Company from Thursday, August 26, through Sunday, September 18. A sparkling comedy about political posturing by one of history’s greatest playwrights, the production is staged by Deep Dish Artistic Director Paul Frellick.

Deep Dish is located in Chapel Hill’s University Mall, located on Estes Drive and US 15-501. Thursday through Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. There will also be a special early show at 7:30 on Wednesday, September 15. Tickets for all performances are $14, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students.  Thursday, September 2 is “Cheap Dish Night,” when all tickets will be $5. A discussion will follow the matinee performance on Sunday, September 4.  For reservations and information, call 968-1515.

The theater is adding a new discussion to its programming—a talk with the production’s design team will follow the matinee performance on Sunday, August 29.  The Deep Dish Book Selection for this production is Saul Bellow’s “Mr. Sammler’s Planet.”  A discussion of the book, free and open to the public, will be led by David Carr and Evelyn Daniel prior to the performance on Thursday, September 16.

Considered by many to be Moliere’s masterpiece, “The Misanthrope” tells the story of Alceste (played by Roman Pearah), an idealistic young man who is openly critical of the political posturing of Parisian society, yet is in love with a young woman, Célimène (Katja Hill), who thrives on it. Despite the warnings of his mentor, Philinte (John Murphy), Alceste’s excessive candor soon threatens both his standing in the corridors of power and his chances of happiness in love. The rhymed translation by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. poet laureate Richard Wilbur achieves a clever yet conversational style that evokes Molière’s use of poetry and humor to speak truth to power.

The Deep Dish Theater production also features Nicole Farmer, Thomas King, Nicole Quenelle, Robert Bloomer, Tommy Hoang, and Jack Prather.  Designers include Christa Devitt (sets), Judy Chang (costumes), Steve Dubay (lights), Deborah Coclanis and Danny Tauber (sound), and Devra Thomas (properties). Ramona Traynor is the stage manager.

“This play is great fun,” says Frellick, “but there are great things at stake here.  While Alceste is outrageously outspoken, he is trying desperately to get people to say what they mean, and not allow rhetoric to substitute for real feeling.  In this campaign season, his protests are especially pertinent.”

For more information on Deep Dish Theater Company, call 933-5281 or visit the Deep Dish website at www.deepdishtheater.org.