Main Street Theatre Works Recasts Title Role in TARTUFFE

Main Street Theatre Works (MSTW) announces a re-casting of the lead character in its upcoming production of "Tartuffe."

"Due to an unforeseen illness of our previously cast Tartuffe (Bradley Moates), we were forced to recast our lead actor two weeks before we open," said MSTW Artistic Director Susan McCandless. "We are fortunate to have Mark Manske, who lives in the Bay Area, available to take over the role. Manske has years of experience and brings unbelievable talent and accessibility to the role. We are fortunate to have him step in on such short notice."

"Tartuffe" opens June 20 at the Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre in Jackson, Calif., and plays Friday and Saturday nights through July 19. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for picnics, with the show starting at 8 p.m. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early with their picnic dinners, chairs and jackets.

The Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre is located on North Main Street in Jackson, Calif., next to the Country Squire Motel.

The story takes place in the home of the well-to-do Orgon (Jim Lane), where the pious imposter, Tartuffe (Mark Manske), has been invited.

Tartuffe easily wins the respect and devotion of both Orgon, and his mother, Madame Pernelle (Hazel Johnson), as he woos Orgon's daughter Marianne (Sara Matsui-Colby) while seducing Orgon's wife Elmire (Amanda Goldrick).

But Orgon and Elmire's maid Dorine (Julie Anchor), Orgon's son Damis (Matt Kozak), and Elmire's brother Cleante (Shane Galloway) are onto the scoundrel, and hilarity ensues as supreme justice is served.

French playwright Moliere used humor to examine the prevalence of religious zeal and hypocrisy in the 17th century, and after "Tartuffe" was first performed in 1664, it was banned almost immediately by powerful members of the Catholic Church in France for its wicked satire, which is still relevant and engaging to modern audiences.

In 1963, U.S. Poet Laureate Richard Wilbur translated "Tartuffe" into English verse, which is the version MSTW will be presenting this summer. MSTW first produced "Tartuffe" in 2002 at the Sutter Creek Theatre.

Director Scott Adams sets the play in the late-1700s, in Orleans' French Quarter, so bring out your Mardi Gras beads and enjoy some classic comedy under the stars.

Main Street Theatre Works is a professionally oriented, rural theater company performing in the heart of Amador County.

Now in its 19th season, and its 11th at the amphitheatre, MSTW continues its dedication to bringing professional and community theater artists together to produce both classical, and contemporary plays, striving for a balance that stimulates artists and audiences alike. An ensemble of gifted actors, directors, and designers lend their vision and skills to create rich seasons of comedy and drama.

The setting for the amphitheatre is truly spectacular. Located on the Kennedy Mine property, patrons walk past an old tailing wheel (used when the mine was in operation), across an old bridge, onto a grass-covered, terraced bowl, surrounded by majestic oaks. There the stage is set for picnicking and enjoying professional-quality productions from Main Street Theatre Works, awarded in 2012 as "Best Theatre Company in the Motherlode."

Performance dates and times: Fridays and Saturdays; gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnics; performances start at 8 p.m. June 20 through July 19.

Ticket prices: Adult tickets cost $17.50; students/children 18 and under cost $12; family pack tickets (two adults/two students) cost $49.