Impromptu of Versailles

About this recording

The setup here is that Moliere and his troupe have been sent for by the King to come perform at Versailles. But instead of the piece they had prepared, the King has just asked for an entirely new piece - to be ready later that same day! So all the action of the play takes place backstage as Moliere has to come up with a story and the troupe has to select and prepare roles in a mad panic. Many of the comments in the banter between actors concern personages from Moliere's time - we don't necessarily know them but the biting of the satire still comes clearly through. - Summary by ToddHW

Cast list:

Moliere, a ridiculous Marquis: Thomas A. Copeland

Brecourt, a man of Quality: Tomas Peter

La Grange, a ridiculous Marquis: Nemo

Du Croisy, a poet: alanmapstone

La Thorilliere, a fidgetty Marquis: Chuck Williamson

Bejart and the Busybodies: ToddHW

Mademoiselle Duparc, a ceremonious Marchioness: Sonia

Mademoiselle Bejart, a prude: Beth Thomas

Mademoiselle Debrie, a sage coquette: Eva Davis

Mademoiselle Moliere, a satirical wit: Sandra Schmit

Mademoiselle Du Croisy, a whining plague: Availle

Mademoiselle Herve, a conceited chambermaid: Leanne Yau

Stage Directions: Zames Curran

Edited by: ToddHW

• Satire
• Humorous Fiction
• Plays