Tartuffe as a Baton Rouge televangelist is something I never knew I needed. Freyda Thomas’ 1997 adaptation of Moliere’s classic text is an absolute romp, complete with an all-new, three-page Tartuffe soliloquy as he practices his sermon, and an updated take on the infamous table scene.
BJ Smyth as Tartuffe. PC: Jim Sipes
I was delighted to take on this project, costuming the show at Phoenix Theatre Edmonds, with director Eric Lewis. The 80s are a costumer’s dream (or potential nightmare): bright colors, shoulder pads, sequins! I was delighted to go all-out for the farce.
My favorite designs were probably Valere and Maryann, who I put in matching pastel pinks and yellows. The idea of them being this adorable preppy couple getting into petty misunderstandings (while still being intensely smitten with each other) was just too perfect.
The designs received a mention in Greg Heilman’s review of the show, with The Sound on Stage!
“…Audrey McGee’s costumes fit the personalities of the characters wearing them so well, from Tartuffe’s brightly colored and questioningly accessorized suit, to Elmire’s sequined top, and to the coordinated pastels of Maryann and Valere. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention Cleante’s suit that screams sitting on the front porch in the southern heat with a glass of lemonade. It’s all done so well, and each aspect of the production comes together to deliver something very entertaining.”
Check out the whole review here:
Tartuffe: Born Again — The Sound on Stage
And, to see all my sketches with the final designs, click here:
Thanks to Eric Lewis for the excellent direction and collaboration, to Phoenix Theatre for the opportunity, and to the whole cast for doing a bang-up job!
Cheers!
Audrey A McGee 
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