Moliere's Tartuffe, now at the American Airlines Theater, is a great contemporary production of a 340-year-old play in a marvelous rhymed translation by Richard Wilbur. It's played against a somewhat ponderous period set by John Lee Beatty, with super costumes by Jane Greenwood which amplify with wit the characters' foibles. The first-rate cast includes Henry Goodman as the loathsome, slimy Tartuffe -- Goodman gives good loath and marvelous slime -- his eyes sparkle with glee in his villainy. Brian Bedford, perfect as his gullible victim, is the epitome of a self-righteous gull. J. Smith-Cameron adds sparkle and wit and Kathryn Meisle contributes beauty, strength and humor to the fine cast, directed with comic snap by Joe Dowling. This is classic comic theater at its best.
