Christian De La Torre, portraying Tartuffe, reacts dramatically during a scene from Yuba College Theatre’s production of “The Hypocrite (Tartuffe),” opening Oct. 23 in Marysville. Photo courtesy of Conrad Cecil

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - A charismatic con man, a gullible businessman and two women determined to expose the truth will take center stage when Yuba College Theatre presents Molière’s classic comedy, “The Hypocrite (Tartuffe),” opening Oct. 23.

Directed by professional actor Conrad Cecil, the production transports the 17th-century French satire to the 1980s, offering a fresh perspective on a centuries-old comedy about deception, hypocrisy and misplaced trust. The story follows Orgon, a businessman in a midlife crisis who falls under the spell of Tartuffe, a con man posing as a devoutly religious man. As Tartuffe manipulates his way into the household and threatens the family's future, Orgon's wife, Elmire, and the outspoken maid Dorine work to expose his deception before it's too late.

"I chose to stage Molière’s Tartuffe (The Hypocrite) because it is a funny story about a fake religious man who gets caught," Cecil said in his director's statement. "But along the way, I discovered it is a fable about the transformation of excess and blindness into clarity and finding the happy medium."

The production brings together professional actors, community performers and Yuba College students, supported by a creative team of designers and backstage crew. The cast includes Christian De La Torre, who takes on the title role of Tartuffe, opposite Ulysses Chavez as Orgon. Lilijana De Jesus and Ayla Beamer share the role of Elmire, while Isabel Her portrays Dorine. The ensemble also features Denice Burbach as Madame Pernelle, Clark Green as Cléante, Anastasia Slepchenko as Mariane, Ezekiel Roa as Damis, Miles Small as Valère, Phoenix Flewellen as Laurent, Codey Boyd as Mister Loyal and Frankie Baldwin as the Officer. Rory McGoon and Ayla Beamer share the role of Flipote.

Christian De La Torre, front, portraying Tartuffe, reacts as Ulysses Chavez, playing Orgon, confronts accusations that Tartuffe has lustful intentions toward his wife in Yuba College Theatre’s production of “The Hypocrite (Tartuffe),” opening Oct. 23. Photo courtesy of Conrad Cecil

Joining Cecil behind the scenes is assistant director Dorothy Christy, a Yuba College theater graduate who has participated in productions at the college for more than a decade, primarily in acting and technical roles.

The production marks her first time serving as assistant director on a full-length show, although Christy has previously directed “Talk to Me Like the Rain” for the college's one-act Tennessee Williams festival and performed in productions including “The Glass Menagerie,” “Airness” and “Silent Sky.”

"Conrad was kind enough to give me the opportunity when the timing was right," Christy said. "He has been a wonderful mentor; recommending books, adding perspective to his leadership style, and how to help an actor develop their characters without telling them exactly what to do."

Christy also praised the cast's commitment and the range of experience among the performers.

"The cast has been a delight to work with, there’s a range of experience and theater education. They have put their all into the work," she said.

Though written more than 350 years ago, Molière's satire of false virtue, blind devotion and manipulation continues to resonate with modern audiences. As Cecil observed, while the production unfolds amid the excesses of the 1980s, its lessons are hardly confined to one era.

Evening performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 28, 29 and 30, with 2 p.m. matinees Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. All performances take place at Yuba College Theatre, 2088 N. Beale Road in Marysville. Tickets can be reserved online at https://gofan.co/season/193789.