UC San Diego’s production of Moliere’s “The Misanthrope” presents a feast of delights for the eye, the ear and the funny bone. Only three performances remain, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 5-7. Presented in the Mandell Weiss Forum and masterfully staged by longtime Old Globe associate artist and UCSD acting professor James Winker, it literally sparkles with production values and acting quality that nearly equals those seen in major regional theaters. Major eye candy is Thomas George’s translucent set with James Tan’s lighting suggesting changing time of day; Christine Crook’s pleasing parade of men’s costumes that range from three-piece suits to foppish lace and spats; and eye-popping women’s gowns, hats and furs in a dazzling and amusing array of colors and shimmer. Although mixed, the styles suggest the early part of the 20th century, perhaps 1930-40. The shoes are also amazing. The protagonist and titular misanthrope is Alceste, whose most disagreeable trait is unrelenting criticism of everything that moves, breathes and speaks, except for him, of course. Joel Gelman struts and frets in grand physical style, his face a mirror of his emotions. He spews vitriol vehemently, in rhyming couplets (translation by Richard Wilbur), never missing a beat, and with his virility and vigor makes this particular Misanthrope the most appealing man one ever wanted to love and hate. Josh Wade portrays Philinte, Alceste’s long-suffering friend, who’s in love with Eliante (Jiehae Park), who’s in turn fascinated by Alceste. Ravishing in her gowns, pert and lovely Cate Campbell is fetching as the self-centered and clever Celimene, the object of Alceste’s ardor. To coquettishness born, the 20-year-old refuses commitment and toys with Alceste by flirting with Oronte (Johnny Gill), Clitandre (Nathan Turner) and Acaste (Patrick Riley), all of whom adore her in hilarious fashion, Oronte with horrid poetry and Clitandre and Acaste with demeanor and outrageous attire that suggests they are better suited to one another. Arsinoe (Pearl Rhein) also desires Alceste and drives a wedge between him and Celimene by making certain he sees Celimene’s flirtatious and scathing notes, making onlookers wonder which is the true misanthrope in this play. Sam Tillis is funny as Alceste’s servant. Ray Dequina and Justin O’Neill complete the company. Tickets ($20, $12, $10) for “The Misanthrope” are scarce. Those determined to see this magnificent production may ask to be on the wait list. Though by all accounts sold out, there were vacant seats Jan. 30. For information, visit www.theatre.ucsd.edu/season or call (858) 534-4574.
