The Misanthrope (full-length version)

The Misanthrope (full-length version) adapted by Timothy Mooney

(0)
Productions (13)
Comedy
|
90 - 110 minutes
3 W, 6 M, 2 Any (8-11 actors possible: 3-6 W, 5-8 M)
Set: The home of Celimene.

Alceste hates mankind. No one gives him the respect and honor he deserves. Although most people acknowledge his intelligence and wit, Alceste's flaw is his insistence on using those gifts against his fellow man as a demonstration of his own superiority. Even worse, Alceste has fallen helplessly in love with society's biggest coquette, the one woman whose outside affairs are destined to undermine his self-esteem, even as he is caught up amid the flurry of simultaneous court proceedings. Moliere captures human desires in all of their complexity in a psychological study that (in this adaptation) sparkles with wit in occasionally irreverent rhymed iambic pentameter. (A short version of this play is also available.)

Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $85
Standard Edition $13.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99
Archival Video License $150

*The per performance fee begins at $85. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.


Playscripts is pleased to offer an Archival Video License for an additional $150 for full-length plays and $75 for one-act plays.

Play Details

Alceste hates mankind. No one gives him the respect and honor he deserves. Although most people acknowledge his intelligence and wit, Alceste's flaw is his insistence on using those gifts against his fellow man as a demonstration of his own superiority. Even worse, Alceste has fallen helplessly in love with society's biggest coquette, the one woman whose outside affairs are destined to undermine his self-esteem, even as he is caught up amid the flurry of simultaneous court proceedings. Moliere captures human desires in all of their complexity in a psychological study that (in this adaptation) sparkles with wit in occasionally irreverent rhymed iambic pentameter. (A short version of this play is also available.)

  • Comedy
  • |
  • 90 - 110 minutes
  • 3 W, 6 M, 2 Any (8-11 actors possible: 3-6 W, 5-8 M)
  • Set: The home of Celimene.

Published Reviews

"Hilariously entertaining. ...Like the original, [Mooney] has penned Misanthrope entirely in rhymed couplets, obviously indulging himself in great fun in the process."

Chicago Tribune

"...the amazing translation by Timothy Mooney... delivers all Moliere's mirth in the cleverest verse."

Patty Nolan, Detroit Theatre Examiner

"Timothy Mooney's translation of Moliere's wit survives the switch from the original French with wit intact. It is also wonderfully easy to understand -- all while often rhyming, a feat in itself. The one-liners are wonderful, the wisdom both tongue-in-cheek and profound, and the dialogue quick and entertaining."

Sue Suchyta, Dearborn Times-Herald

"...a rhymed riot. It's a tour de force right down the line, from Moliere's brilliant original to Timothy Mooney's flavorful English adaptation."

Lawrence B. Johnson, The Detroit News

"Mooney brings a wit and style to the stage that easily resonates with contemporary audiences. Anyone who enjoys the television series House will certainly like this play with its clever word play and philosophical insights. Mooney's adaptation -- written in rhymed iambic pentameter -- skewers the hypocrisies of conventional society and the little (and sometimes large) lies humans rely on to maintain appearances and social order."

Greenwood Index-Journal (South Carolina)

"As good an actor as he is, Mooney is steadily building an even bigger reputation for his writing skills."

Chicago Tribune

"The play has been translated into a lyrical masterpiece imported into the 20th century and adapted for American audiences by Timothy Mooney. The intricate verses filled with puns and quips satirizing French high society presented quite a challenge for Mooney to deliver the full impact of the play without losing the proverbial wit in the translation. He reconstructed the dialogue with mastery, assuring Moliere's rediscovery among modern audiences."

CU-Denver Advocate

"An ambitious undertaking, Mooney's adaptation employs clear, accessible language without compromising the meaning or too much of the play's 17th century decorum."

Chicago Reader

Production History

NOV 12, 2021 - NOV 21, 2021
University of Alaska Fairbanks Theatre and Film Department
Fairbanks, AK United States
University of Alaska Fairbanks Theatre and Film Department Fairbanks, AK United States
APR 16, 2015 - APR 23, 2015
North Idaho College Theatre Department
Coeur D'Alene, ID United States
North Idaho College Theatre Department Coeur D'Alene, ID United States
JUN 12, 2014 - JUN 22, 2014
Shakespeare Carolina
Charlotte, NC United States
Shakespeare Carolina Charlotte, NC United States
OCT 30, 2013 - NOV 02, 2013
Rocky Mountain High School
Meridian, ID United States
Rocky Mountain High School Meridian, ID United States
FEB 27, 2013 - MAR 03, 2013
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ United States
Rider University Lawrenceville, NJ United States
NOV 03, 2011 - NOV 05, 2011
Rustin Theatre Group
West Chester, PA United States
Rustin Theatre Group West Chester, PA United States
JAN 28, 2011 - MAR 05, 2011
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI United States
Wayne State University Detroit, MI United States
APR 02, 2009 - APR 05, 2009
Greenwood Community Theatre
Greenwood, SC United States
Greenwood Community Theatre Greenwood, SC United States
JAN 01, 2005 - DEC 31, 2005
Austin Peay University
Clarksville, TN United States
Austin Peay University Clarksville, TN United States
JAN 01, 2002 - DEC 31, 2002
New College of Florida
Sarasota, FL United States
New College of Florida Sarasota, FL United States
JAN 01, 2001 - DEC 31, 2001
Ruston High School
Ruston, LA United States
Ruston High School Ruston, LA United States
AUG 10, 2000 - SEP 02, 2000
Stage Two Theatre Company
Highwood, IL United States
Stage Two Theatre Company Highwood, IL United States
JAN 01, 1999 - DEC 31, 1999
University of Colorado-Denver
Denver, CO United States
University of Colorado-Denver Denver, CO United States
No upcoming productions.
AUG 10, 2000 - SEP 02, 2000
Stage Two Theatre Company
Highwood, IL United States
Stage Two Theatre Company Highwood, IL United States