Murrieta Repertory Theatre presents the rollicking comedy Tartuffe! (or The Hypocrite), opening April 17 at the Esplanade Arts Center.  The show was adapted by MRT Artistic Director Jim Marbury and directed by Darcie Flansburg.

Two shows remaining!  The production will then perform 8 p.m. Saturday, May 2, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the the Murrieta Community Center. 

“Jim’s adaptation is smart, fun and a thrill to direct. I have an excellent cast of seasoned, award-winning actors who are going to have audiences buckled over in laughter. Don’t miss it!” Flansburg said.

“Darcie and the ensemble have a great feel for the material,” Marbury said. “These folks are working at such a great comedic intensity; it’s going to be an exciting and entertaining evening of theatre.”

The play takes place at the Orgon family country house in 1920s France, where Orgon has invited the “pious” Tartuffe to stay as a house guest. Everyone in the house believes Tartuffe is a hypocrite, but cannot seem to prove it to Orgon without “concrete” evidence, so, of course, hilarious antics ensue.

Tartuffe! will perform in San Jacinto at the Esplanade Arts Center, April 17 through 19, and 24 through 26.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday performances are at 2 p.m., with a 6 p.m. additional performance on Sunday April 26.

The production will then perform 8 p.m. Saturday, May 2, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Murrieta Community Center.

“We feel so pleased to be able to reach out to a wider audience of Inland Empire theatre lovers with MRT’s first touring production of 2009,” said Yvonne Flack, assistant director of the show. “It’s a show that shouldn’t be missed, and with two performance locations, we hope that everyone who wants to come will have the opportunity.”

For more information and to reserve a slot, call MRT Box Office at (951) 600-7273. Or contact us at murrietarep@verizon.net.

For a sneak peak of “Tartuffe!” visit www.youtube.com/user/InlandHarlequins.