Theater Review : Art of the Con in a Timeless ‘Tartuffe’

“Tartuffe,” the title of Moliere’s timeless satire, has become a synonym for a religious charlatan. These kinds of con artists have probably existed in every time and place, including the 16th-Century Turkish Empire, which is where Actors Co-op has moved the setting in its new production at the Crossley Theatre.

Alan Johnson plays the lecherous scoundrel who, assuming a mask of false piety, becomes a counselor to the family of wealthy Orgon (Louis Tucker). Despite many warnings, Orgon relies more and more heavily on Tartuffe, even as the villain plots to seduce Orgon’s wife, Elmire (Julietta Marcelli), and steal his fortune.

Director Kristina Lankford crisply conveys most of the text’s themes and wit (through Richard Wilbur’s excellent verse translation), although the switch in setting seems mostly an excuse for some elaborate harem-style costuming. While Johnson’s dull reading mutes the character’s more attractive sides, there is some fine support, including a wry, nicely timed turn by Marcelli.