Rice Theatre Program Presents TARTUFFE, Opening 11/9

"Tartuffe, or the Imposter," is perhaps Moliere's most famous comic masterpiece. The plot revolves around a pompous head of household taken in by a cunning charlatan, under the religious cloak of piety. Tartuffe seeks to marry his benefactor's daughter, seduce his wife and gain the family fortune. Moliere gives us a farce with a scathing wit as he roasts religion, hypocrisy and sexual deceit.

Guest Director Samuel Sparks will be at the helm. Sparks varied directing credits include "Metamorphoses," "Les Liaisons Dangereuses," the American Folk musical "Sing Out, Sweet Land," and Das Barbecü, among others. He work has been seen at New Stage Theatre, the University of Houston, Mill Mountain Theatre, William Carey University, and soon at Southeastern Louisiana University where he will direct "Blood Wedding." He is the twice recipient of the Ballew Directing Award from the Southeastern Theatre Conference.

Matt Schlief is the production manager and lecturer of theatre at Rice and most recently won The Houston Press Theatre Award for Best Lighting Design for Generations Theatre Company's "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson," which performed at Rice University's Hamman Hall. Schlief is also resident designer for Classical Theatre Company, most recently designing sets for Strindberg's "Miss Julie." Schlief will be teaming up with costume designer Macy Perrone, whose work was last seen in Rice Theatre's "Macbeth." Perrone has recently designed for Main Street Theatre, Stages Repertory Theatre and Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Performances are November 9-10th at 8:00pm. November 11th at 3:00pm, and November 15th-17th at 8:00pm. Tickets: Students $5, Rice Alumni, Faculty, Staff & Senior Citizens $8, and General Admission $10. Performances are at Hamman Hall. Tickets are available in advance by calling 713-348-PLAY. For more information on the performances, or to inquire about group rates, please visit http://www.arts.rice.edu. For parking information, please visit parking.rice.edu.