When being told of a French play written in the 1600’s, many would assume that they were in store for a boring, soporific show that will drag from start to finish. This is certainly not the case with the Millikin Department of Theatre and Dance’s production of Molière’s Tartuffe. The production is far from boring. As a matter of fact, audience members are likely to be bouncing in their seats on account of the vigorous motion from their diaphragms. The amount of laughter in Albert Taylor Theatre on opening night was absolutely infectious. One is guaranteed to go no longer than five minutes without laughing aloud at the spectacular performance put on by this show’s cast.

The concept of setting the play in modern day Texas is an absolute gem of brilliance. Hearing rhymed couplets spouted out in a variety of southern drawls presents an experience that cannot be paralleled by much else. The set, designed by Barbara Mangrum, has a sense of southern charm, which perfectly sets the scene for the wild array of antics put on display by the talented cast. Audience members were busting up, all without even a tickle from the feather duster of the play’s sassy maid, Dorine. Director Alex Miller and the cast and crew of Tartuffe have created a hilarious work of art that manages to carry a message along with its rib-tickling sense of humor. In not getting a ticket to this show, you most definitely denied yourself an excellent way to boost your mood.