
The smiling faces of patrons following each show are a true testament to the fun experienced by those who have seen “The Miser” this month. “This story explores family relationships, money troubles and obsession with Festival’s characteristic light-hearted wit,” says Liz Reddy, Marketing Assistant for Festival Theatre. “Surprising touches of audience interaction make this production unique. Folks do not have to travel farther than St. Croix Falls to enjoy a refreshing, top-quality theatre show.”
David Chambers’ translation of “The Miser” is set in Paris in the late 1800’s. The elderly Harpagon, played by Ed Moersfelder, runs his household with tight-fisted dominion. His miserly ways make life unbearable for all those around him, including his two children, Elise and Cléante, who are passionately in love with a valet and the girl next door, respectively. While Harpagon had arranged for them to be married to absurdly mismatched types, the two smart children plot against their frugal father until all erupts in a climactic ending, and truths are revealed.
Interesting characters intertwine throughout the story, including Frosine, the convincing matchmaker, Master Jacques, the laughable cook and coachman in Harpagon’s employ, and Valère, the charming love interest of Elise who is not really who he appears to be. Joining Moersfelder in the cast are Andrew Bradford Benson as Cléante and Deanna Davis as Elise, plus Daniel Brewer, Kathryn Cesarz, Seth Kaltwasser, Jerry Kurek, Anna Lewein, Joseph Pyfferoen and Paul Steffens.
The work and talents of the cast and production crew create a professional experience that stands alone in the St. Croix River Valley. Festival’s production team for “The Miser” consists of Jaclyn Johnson as Director, Kim Murphy in Costume Design, Danette Olsen in Scenic Design, Peter Weber in Sound and Lighting Design and Stage Management, Laura Seed in Properties Design and Fizz Kizer in Scenic Carpentry.
Tickets for “The Miser” are $26 for adults and $13.50 for ages 25 and under. Reservations for this and for the upcoming holiday production of “Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates” can be made HERE, by calling the box office at 715.483.3387 or emailing festivaltheatreboxoffice@gmail.com.
Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and one hour prior to show times. Festival Theatre is located in the historic Civic Auditorium in downtown St. Croix Falls, at 210 North Washington Street.