Gulfshore Playhouse Presents Classic Comedy 'Tartuffe'

Gulfshore Playhouse Presents Classic Comedy, Tartuffe 

Gulfshore Playhouse promises that you will laugh your bustle off at their production of Moliere's classic comedy, "Tartuffe".  This marks the first time that this play has ever been produced in Naples.  This farce begins April 1st and plays through the 11th at the Norris Center in downtown Naples. 

The titular character of Tartuffe is a lecherous conman who pretends to be a supremely pious religious adviser.  Firmly ensconced in the family home of the wealthy Orgon, he bamboozles his benefactor all the while trying to marry his daughter, seduce his wife and scrounge the deed to the property. 

Founder and Producing Artistic Director Kristen Coury states, "I am ecstatic to be bringing a classic of this caliber to Naples.  To be able to recreate the high style of the French court with all its physical comedy, audience asides, and slapstick moments allows us to blend refinement and burlesque at the same time....and we guarantee you'll be laughing in the aisles.  We like to say its like 'The Carol Burnett Show'...in corsets." 

Gulfshore Playhouse will continue it's partnership with Café Lurcat, offering Gulfshore Playhouse ticket holders $5 off the early dining menu, which includes a choice of 2 courses, plus dessert and a glass of wine.  (Normally $25.95.) 

The role of the wily Tartuffe will be tackled by English actor Richard Crawford.  He will also double as Madame Perenlle, the benefactor's aged mother.  Mr. Crawford Trained at Ecole Jacques Lecoq and Rose Bruford College.  He has appeared in productions at the La Jolla Playhouse and other prominent regional theatres.   Richard served as lead clown in "SLAVA'S SNOWSHOW" at the Union Square Theater and has directed clown work for Cirque du Soleil's "Dralion" and "Petrushka" at Carnegie Hall.  In addition to performing he teaches Lecoq technique at S.U.N.Y Purchase. 

Kevin Duda will portray the duel roles of Valere and Damis, the suitor and the master's son respectively.  Duda made his Broadway debut featured opposite Laura Linney in "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" for The Roundabout Theater Company.  He was also featured in the National tour of Little Women starring Maureen McGovern and the 1st and 2nd National Tour of Cinderella starring Eartha Kitt.  Kevin has also worked extensively in regional theatre as well as on international tours.           

Joining them will be Steve Brady, a veteran of Broadway and Off-Broadway, who will play Orgon the mislead master of the house.  Steve has worked in many regional theatres and has made television appearances on Seinfeld and Law and Order, just to name a couple.  Wayne LeGette will play Orgon's brother-in-law Cleante.  Wayne is a native Floridian, who has worked extensively on the East Coast at venues such as Gable Stage, Actor's Playhouse, the Coconut Grove Playhouse and Florida Studio Theatre.  Also appearing and playing two roles, Monsiuer Loyal and the officer, is Naples' own Val Kuffel who has been seen previously at the Naples Dinner Theatre, Stage 88 and the Naples Players. 

Amy McKenna, Anna Stone and Katrina Foy, are the three ladies who complete the cast.  Ms. McKenna, will play Elmire, Orgon's wife.  She has worked extensively in New York as well as several prominent regional theatres such as the La Jolla Playhouse, where she worked with well known directors like Julie Taymor and Michael Grief.  Anna Stone will be Dorine, the saucy fast talking maid.  Ms. Stone received her Masters Degree from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory in Sarasota where she played roles in many different classics and has also worked in many venues in Manhattan and around the country.  Rounding out the company will be Katrina Foy as Mariane, the young daughter of Orgon, who has various credits both in New York and on tour.              

Kristen Coury, Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse, will direct.  Previous productions under her direction for Gulfshore Playhouse include, "Doubt: A Parable", "Another Night Before Christmas", "Romeo and Juliet: Redefined", "Oleanna", "Life (x) 3" and "Married Alive!".  Her feature film, "Friends and Family" has been released worldwide and is available on DVD.  She frequently directs for the Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy Series in Raleigh, NC.  She has worked for the English Shakespeare Company, in press and marketing, Disney Theatrical on international productions of "Beauty and the Beast" and for Andrew Lloyd Webber's production company, Really Useful, on the Broadway production of "Sunset Boulevard" and the National Tour of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat".  

Rounding out the creative team are: Sean McCelland, Set Designer, Curtis Lee Jones, Lighting Designer, Jamie Carmichael, Props Master, and Jackie Morelisse, Costume Designer. 

"Tartuffe" will be presented exclusively at the Norris Center, 755 8th Avenue South Naples, April 1-11.  Tickets start at $30 and are available by calling 1- (866) 811-4111 or at www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org. 

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