Slapstick and satire combine in “The Miser,” a dramatic comedy that premieres Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Hatcher Hall Theatre. The LSU Department of Theatre continues its Mainstage Season, bringing Molier’s classic to campus. Nick Erickson, theatre professor and co-director of the play, said the show sets itself apart from other campus productions with its humor and character extremes. He said “The Miser” mocks greediness through its main character Harpagon, a covetous father who goes to great lengths to maintain his wealth. Kenneth De Abrew, master of fine arts graduate student and actor, said Harpagon’s greed begins to take over his life, affecting his relationships. “His greed is over the top,” he said. “It’s so sad, it’s funny.” Erickson said the play’s outrageous costumes match the characters’ extremities, bringing a unique value to the show. “I think [the costumes] will stop the show,” he said. Erickson said the play’s witty humor is enjoyable not only for the audience but also for the actors. “It’s almost like therapy when trying to find the humor in a situation,” he said. “There are a lot of laughs in rehearsal.” Scott Woltz, master of fine arts graduate student and actor, said his role as Harpagon will remind the audience of miserly family members. Erickson said the play expresses a theme of familial love through the conflicts in Harpagon’s family. He also said students will relate well with the play because it focuses on the value of love versus the value of wealth. “The themes are universal, and they cross barriers,” he said. Woltz said the play features “stock characters” that were used years ago but still apply to today’s society. He said some characters will remind the audience of characters from TV shows. “The equivalent of Harpagon is Mr. Burns from ‘The Simpsons,'” he said. Erickson said he implemented basic acting techniques, reminding the actors to ground their performances in reality. “It has to be real and personal,” he said. Erickson said the audience will leave feeling giddy and slightly disturbed. “The ending image is heavy,” he said. Audiences can preview “The Miser” tonight in Hatcher Hall Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The show officially opens Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. followed by eight performances between Dec. 1 through Dec. 9. Swine Palace Theatre Web site is available for more information regarding show times at www.theatre.lsu.edu. Tickets are $8.50 for students, $13.50 for senior citizens and $15.50 for adults, and they can be purchased at the Swine Palace Theatre ticket office.
—-Contact Lindsay Gallman at [email protected]