Although time and place have been moved from 17th century France, this version of The Doctor in Spite of Himselfis claimed to adhere faithfully to Moliere’s classic text. Attending with no text in hand, I reviewed the production without noting any modernisms. Of course, even though I actually directed Moliere’s play decades ago, it was in translation meant originally for radio broadcast and a bit shorter, so Le Pack’s show demanded of me more concentration on the language. Also, I think, on the play’s social message.
Beginning in an area of Los Angeles that is hardly distinguishable from any urban ghetto or “bad” section of a city, Moliere’s farcical comedy of intrigue turns into one of social import. “Hero” Sganarelle is a drinker who, after being mistaken for a doctor, begins to act the part. Like the rich of Beverly Hills, this braggart bum feels himself deserving of his role in life and of the respect and deference others show him. How he does go on about his prowess!
There’s romance, too. Sganarelle picks up Lucinde as a patient because she faked illness to avoid an undesirable marriage. She’s loved by Sganarelle’s friend Leander who wants him to intercede with her father. It’s the stuff of a soap opera.
Martine, Sganarelle’s wife, is a woman to be reckoned with, despite her taking beatings from hubby. (Will he be accused of domestic violence?) There’s also a nurse, Jacqueline, whom Sganarelle would like to get his hands on, especially above the waist. If only her husband weren’t always appearing!
All these characters become what the directors consider American social types in the ‘90s, especially in an area identified with making movies and TV shows. They range from Mexican immigrants and maids to Cadillac salesmen who’ve become rich.
The actors seem at ease with their portrayals -- in fact, maybe a tad too much like those they’ve studied from watching similar ones on big and small screens. Or perhaps the directors led them to as much modernization as possible. This fits in with the kind of approach that the Lucernaire is known for.
I’d like to laud particularly the lead actor and the woman who plays Lucinde, but no programs were available, and I received only the web designation of their names. I list them below, noting that some of the actors apparently alternate roles in performances.
