Description

Set in 1670, Paris, Moliere in Love is based on the true story of Moliere’s theatrical attempt to win back the love of his much younger wife, Armande. In order to re-romance his wife, the playwright decides to write a play-ballet to showcase her talents and beauty. But because of Louis XIV’s extramarital pursuits, the king demands that the show, Psyche, must be completed and produced within mere weeks. Casting requirements: 300 actors and dancers. Frantic to complete the project, Moliere must partner with one of his rivals, Pierre Corneille, in order to please the king and versify the play quickly. As Moliere assembles his troupe of actors and dancers to rehearse, the internal politics of his own company adds further complications. One of Moliere’s own former lovers is cast as the beautiful Venus, much to Armande’s dismay. And Armande hates the handsome leading man with whom she must perform. Or so it seems e until Moliere stumbles upon them in a passionate, incriminating embrace, with the excuse that they are just rehearsing. And then the king himself hints that he might demand a featured role in the extravaganza, as he is an accomplished ballet dancer who has not performed in two yearseand there is someone new he’d like to impress. To top if all off, Moliere’s own young protege/biographer is on hand to chronicle every minute of the action behind the scenes. Moliere battles literary and romantic rivals, a meddlesome royal patron, an insane deadline and his own ego in order to create a work worthy of his task. But in the end, will it be enough to heal his marriage, keep the court appeased, and keep his company afloat Area staging. Approximate running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes.