The Miser//Two

(thirteen parts)

Harpagon is a wealthy old miser who keeps his son Cléante and daughter Elise in a state of shabby dependency, while planning to marry them off to rich, middle-aged suitors. Unknown to him, though, they're already in love: Elise with Valère, who has taken a job as Harpagon's servant to be near her, and Cléante with Mariane, a girl even poorer than himself. Complications arise when Harpagon decides to take a wife, and decides that Mariane will be the lucky girl. Will love or money prevail?

This is a lively 1988 BBC production of my favorite (along with 'Bourgeois Gentilhomme') Moliere play, featuring the magnificent Nigel Hawthorne as Harpagon. Set in the 1830s, absurd fashions play up the absurdities in the plot. Fans of "Topsy-Turvy" may recognize Jim Broadbent (W.S. Gilbert) and Ron Cook (D'Oly-Carte) in minor roles here as Mr. Jaques and La flèche respectively, and fans of "Hello, Dolly" should watch for the first scene between Harpagon and Frosine, the original inspiration for the mythical "Ernestina Simple".

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Moliere
• Miser
• L'Avre
• Nigel Hawthorne
• Tartuffe
• French Baroque theater
• Louis XIV
• Harpagon

[theomnipotent911]

I'm playing La Fleche around in a month!

So cool.

[samizdrama]

@theomnipotent911 That's a great part. I wish you the best!

[Feliscar]

love this harpagon, I'm doing it this december. I'm afraid that mine is a bit more cruel than the one here, and not nearly likable enough. A very good insight here.

[samizdrama]

@Feliscar best wishes to you in your performance! That's a plum of a part.

[tlsorrel]

I'm playing La Fleche this January, and having SO much fun with the role. Thanks for posting!

[samizdrama]

Best wishes for your performance!

[samizdrama]

Best wishes on your performance. Someone else commented that she was playing Marianne--in the same production, maybe..?

[Sabeenerz]

This is such a huge help! I'm palying Elise in a production of the Miser. Thank you!!!