California Stage

California Stage premieres a new translation of Molière’s Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, or The Middle Class Aristocrat.

Playgoers will be able to see this short comedy twice--in French and then in English—IN ONE NIGHT! “You don’t need to know how to speak French to get the fun out of this play,” says director Ray Tatar. "The story is clear and the dialogue is carried along by hilarious physical comedy."

Tatar and co-director Mark Heckman set the play first in 17th Century Paris and then in Damon Runyon's New York City of the Roaring 20’s. "This farce pokes fun at the rising merchant class during Molière’s time," Tatar says. “The play easily adapts to your funny bone in either language because the comic theme about the newly rich seeking the trappings of the cultured class is an American theme as well."

James C. Anderson plays the role of the bourgeois Monsieur Jourdain, clothed in bright colors trimmed with silver lace and multicolored feathers. The cast includes veteran actors Bonnie Antonini, Paula Campanella, George Michel, Patrick Beech, Daniel Richer, Pavel Shabunin, Julian Sandoval, Matt Bullock, Bernard Scoville, Joe Antonini, and Mark Heckman.

California Stage is producing this play with support from The Alliance Française of Sacramento, a local gathering place for people interested in all aspects of France and French speaking cultures. Director of the Alliance Beatrice Hildebrand says, “The Alliance has had great success with staging Molière’s plays as they are a great introduction to anyone interested in French language and culture.“

style="font-style: italic;"> Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme/The Middle Class Aristocrat plays Friday, February 29 through Sunday, March 30.  Regular show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. (Note: There will be no performance on Sunday, March 23. Additional performances have been added at 8pm on Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29, and at 2pm on Sunday, March 30.)

Tickets cost $20.00 for General Admission; $15.00 for seniors, students, SARTA members, and members of the Alliance Française of Sacramento; with special discounts for groups of 4 or more (please call 916-451-5822 to obtain group discounts).

Performances will be held in The Space theater in mid-town Sacramento. The Space theater is located on R St., between 25th and 26th Streets. Easy, free parking is available.

Call 916-451-5822 for reservations or more information.