14 December 2005: Molière, The Miser

Rand Theatre, University of Massachusetts Amherst. Adapted by Virginia Scott

Not a bad idea at all, adapting The Miser to New York City in the ’Twenties. Unfortunately, Ed Golden, the director, couldn’t bring it off — he doesn’t really have a sense of humor. And Jeff Fiala’s set was also, despite an ingenious loft where Mr Harpagon retreated to his adding machine, ponderous and unfunny — and, in its subterranean entrances, reminiscent of the disastrous production of Macbeth last seen in this house, in which the Fine Arts Center became a nightmare by Adolph Appia. A very competent performance by Harry Mahnken in the title role did something, but not quite enough, to redeem the evening.