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Last night’s opening of The Misanthrope was the premiere showcase of the newly-founded Mauckingbird Theater Company. Dedicated by mission to performing gay-themed work, the Mauckingbird’s version of the play recasts the characters as gay men in the royal court of an ambiguous era.

While Moliere’s play was originally in French and written in the 17th Century, the translation here is from the 1990′s, which highlight the time- and place-lessness to the themes. The flaws of individuals as social creatures and our uncanny ability to find convenience in our own emotional weakness are daily truisms placed well in this modernized version.

I found the rhyming at times distracting, but thought provoking in the moments when the actors found ways to escape the meter it imposed. Whether the actors simply “grooved” differently throughout the play or my comparative mental library consists of too much Dr Seuss, I’m not really sure.

I did enjoy the play, and I thought it was hilarious despite my own shortcomings as a member of the audience. No dramatic knowledge required! If you’re curious about Philly theater, this is a great play to see, it stars many of the local coolios at a really neat theater space. Don’t be fooled by Dito van Reigersberg’s headshot, he’s about 10 years older in person. Ha!

The theater is TINY, so if you’re interested in this play, get tickets NOW. The good news is that there doesn’t seem to be a bad seat in this little house at the Adrienne, so hop to it and let me know what YOU think!

The Misanthrope
Through Feb 2, Adults $20, Students $15
www.mauckingbirdtheaterco.org

Adrienne Theater, Second Stage
2030 Samson St, Philadelphia, PA
Tickets: (215) 563-4330