Bungler, The

We're sitting in a public square in Messina, Sicily in 1655. To our left is the home of Trufaldin (Dimiter D. Marinov) and his charge, Gypsy beauty Celie (Janel DeGuzman). To the right is an empty residence owned by Pandolfe (Wayne Jordan) and under the care of valet Mascarille (David Ari). Between the two are three arches and beyond, the sea. In the center of the square bubbles a fountain. It is here that North Coast Repertory Theater stages the hilarious Moliere farce The Bungler.

In the fine tradition of the genre, the servant is wily and streetwise, while his master, Lelie (Jeremiah Lorenz) is a buffoon. Thin of plot but full of characters, The Bungler is simply about Lelie winning the heart of Celie over all comers. Since she is chattel against a debt owed to Trufaldin, a payment would suffice.

Marty Burnett's set is perfection, allowing for a large playing area, while fully representing the location. Lighting Designer Mia Bane Jacobs provides authentic illumination be it bright day or moonlit evening.

Jeanne Reith has created and assembled a brilliant array of costumes replete with knee breeches, cotton hose, proper hats, tons of lace, and much more. The aristocrats are in elegant finery, while the servants wear modest cottons with muted colors. Glaser brings a new dimension to The Bungler in her sound design. I felt like I was in an old silent film theater in Coldwater, Michigan. The throaty theater organ underscores the action, finishing a bit of drama with a coda. The overall effect brings even more humor to Wilbur's excellent translation.

Director Terry Glaser has cast with a balanced eye for talent and the look needed for each role in this over-the- top farce. David Ari, as Mascarille, Lelie's valet, is brilliant. He's a gymnastic wonder as he bounds across every inch of the stage. He shows Mascarille's frustration with Lelie perfected in every muscle of his face. His foil, Jeremiah Lorenz , as Lelie, equally captures the nuances of his character. They are a perfect team. We don't see enough of Janel DeGuzman, Celie. What we do see is the perfect sweet young lady hiding a gypsy lustful side. As her owner, Trufaldin, Dimiter D. Marinov plays miserly evil, even with the glint of avarice in his eyes.

Wayne Jordan as Lelie's father, Pandolfe, is a put-upon, often deceived father. David Gallagher as Anselme - Hippolyte's dad -- plays a man easily conned by Mascarille. Anselme's daughter, Hippolyte is played by Lisel Gorell-Getz. Tim Curns plays Leandre, another suitor of Celie. Anthony Pavelich does triple duty as Andres, a supposed gypsy; Ergaste, a friend of; Mascarille, and a messenger.

This Bungler is perhaps the best Moliere I've ever seen—and I've seen many.