NU Theatre presents classic comedy 'The Learned Ladies'

From March 21-26, Niagara University Theatre will present Moliere's delightful French comedy, "The Learned Ladies," directed by Dr. C. Henrik Borgstrom, an associate professor of French and chair of Niagara University's department of modern and classical languages. This timeless masterpiece, translated and adapted by Freyda Thomas, spotlights a well-to-do household that is thrown into comic upheaval when an imposter arrives.

A most unliterary matron is intent on turning her home into a bastion of learning. She becomes easy prey for an ingratiating con artist who passes himself off as a famous poet and becomes a permanent houseguest, much to the chagrin of her husband. Worse yet, the poet has set his sights on marrying one of their two beautiful daughters.

"The Learned Ladies" will be on stage in the Leary Theatre within the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, Clet Hall, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, Monday, March 25, and Tuesday, March 26. The production will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23. In addition, 2 p.m. matinees are on stage on Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24 (with post-show discussion).

Cast members include the following NU theater studies students from Western and Central New York, Ohio, and Southern Ontario: Primo R. Thomas (Chrysale); Grace Turner (Martine); Richard Cole (Ariste); Keirsten Lynne Greifenstein (Henriette); Alexander Utz (Clitandre); Patrick J. Tighe (Trissotin); Stephanie Wattie (Vadius); Megan Kemple (Philamente); Kathleen Denecke (Armande); and Karen Harty (Belise). Set design is by David Dwyer. Costume design is by Maureen Stevens and sound coordination is by Glenn Bernardis. NU theatre design/technology senior Tony Rajewski is the production's light designer. Theater design/technology junior Saige Woods is stage manager of the production, and senior performance major Fabio Del Carlo is assistant stage manager.

For more information or for tickets, check out http://theatre.niagara.edu/boxoffice/, visit the NU Theatre box office, call 716-286-8685 or email [email protected]. Voicemail messages and emails are returned as soon as possible.