P.O. Box 5201 Annapolis, Maryland 21403 Tel. 410-268-1333 Fax. 301-261-1865 www.baytheatre.org

NEWS RELEASE

Annapolis, MD - Stimulate your intellect along with your funny bone as a talented cast of professional actors brings 17th century Paris to life. Molière’s deep comedy, Tartuffe, opens Friday, April 28 at The Bay Theatre, the professional theatre company of Annapolis. This masterwork by France’s most celebrated comic playwright is a galloping romp, both bawdy and refined. Its topic, the power of a religious hypocrite to manipulate others through fear and false piety, is both timeless and timely.

Tartuffe is a convincing but sinister zealot who beguiles Orgon, a wealthy Parisian at the time of Louis XIV. Orgon, facing his own mortality, believes that Tartuffe holds the key to eternal salvation. Recognizing Tartuffe as a fraud, Orgon’s family exposes the liar with tricks that are rich with comedy. Brilliantly translated by Richard Wilbur, the language rhymes in English as it does in French. The verse enhances the story, the elaborate period costumes enrich the characters, and both serve to transport the audience to a different place and time. Although the setting is historically remote and socially unfamiliar, Molière’s incisive wit makes it clear throughout the play that human foibles remain the same.

The Bay Theatre production features five members of Actors’ Equity, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. Janet Luby and Jim Chance, featured in last season’s critically acclaimed Betrayal, return to The Bay Theatre stage in the roles of Dorine and Tartuffe. Ms. Luby, the Associate Artistic Director and co-founder of The Bay Theatre, has performed in San Francisco and New York, as well as locally and on television. Jim Chance has acted professionally since 1990, with stage appearances nationwide, and numerous movie and television credits. Nigel Reed is a Helen Hayes award-winning actor who makes his Bay Theatre debut as Orgon. Elizabeth Webster joins the company for the first time as Elmire, following ten years’ acting in the Philadelphia area. Tim Pabon brings extensive regional acting experience to his portrayal of Cleante. Rena Cherry Brown, Ben Russo, Genna Davidson, Paul Baron and Tom Howard round out the cast. Lucinda Merry-Browne, Bay Theatre Artistic and Managing Director, directs.

Tartuffe opens April 28 and plays through June 3, 2006. Tickets are $22 for general admission, $17 for students (with student ID) and seniors (age 65 or over). Group discounts are available. Performances are held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. A weekday matinee of Tartuffe will be performed for school groups on Thursday, May 25, time to be announced. Tickets may be purchased online (www.baytheatre.org) or reserved by phone (410) 268-1333 or email (reserve@baytheatre.org). MasterCard, Visa and Discover are accepted.

The theatre is located on the lower level of the West Garrett office building, 275 West Street, Annapolis. Ample free parking is available in the West Garrett garage on Amos Garrett Boulevard. For driving directions, visit The Bay Theatre website (www.baytheatre.org) or call (410) 268-1333. Handicapped access is available; please call in advance to make arrangements.

This production is made possible by a charitable grant from M&T Bank, and through the generous support of Lou Hyatt, Skip Gardiner, and Roy Morauer, owners of 275 West Garrett LLC, and the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, the City of Annapolis, and the Maryland State Arts Council.

The Bay Theatre Company is a non-profit professional theatre company and studio in Annapolis, Maryland. Tucked away in the lower level of the West Garrett office building, the intimate, off-Broadway style house is in its fourth season. The Bay Theatre Company’s goal is to offer exciting productions that leave audiences thinking and transformed by the experience of the play. It exists as an artistic force in the community, providing opportunities for artists to work and a source of theatre education for all ages.