Production set for " The School for Wives"

WVU Parkersburg Theatre Department to present Moliere's comedy "The School for Wives."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Learn the "secret of a happy marriage" and other "rules for wives," and see how successful they are during West Virginia University at Parkersburg's production of Moliere's classic farcical comedy, "The School for Wives."

This family friendly romp through sexual politics and the perils of excess will be presented at 8 p.m., April 23 and 24 and 2 p.m., April 25, in the college theatre.

Arnolphe, a middle-aged casanova, has reached the conclusion that the best safeguard of a wife's honor is ignorance. He decides that a woman should only know how to sew, pray, spin and love the man to whom she is pledged. He sees that his ward Agnes is brought up at a convent school in complete seclusion. But the young lady unconsciously outwits him. She bestows her affections upon the gallant Horace, and the guardian, after being made the confidante of the latter, is eventually left out in the cold.

"Be assured that all ends happily for a woman as all members of the cast are female and all are WVU-P students," notes director Andrew Clovis.

Arnolphe is played by WVU-P theatre veteran Layla Halfhill of Parkersburg. Jaime Seltzer of Williamstown plays Arnolphe's sometimes amused, sometimes bemused and sometimes annoyed friend Chrysalde. Bobbie Brocious of Parkersburg portrays Arnolphe's man-servant Alain with Mineral Wells resident Wendy Smith as Alain's female compatriot Georgette. Rachel Kennedy of Parkersburg plays the lovely Agnes, one of Moliere's funniest female characters. The "charming Horace," Agnes' amour, is Ravenswood resident Maggie Allen. Rounding out the cast are Rose Follette, of Parkersburg as the ancient Oronte, Horace's father and Arnolphe's friend, and Vienna resident Allison Davis as the surprising Henriette.

In addition to Clovis, the production staff for the fast paced comedy include WVU-P student Patrick Garvey of Parkersburg, as scenic artist and technical assistant; Renee Powell of St. Marys, as chief costume assistant, and Parkersburg resident Sheilia Stacy as prompter for the production.

Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. WVU-P students, faculty and staff may purchase tickets in advance for $1.00. For ticket information, contact the college business office at 424-8223. Though mildly risque, this classic comedy of manners is appropriate for children. "The School for Wives" was written in French in 1662, but has been adapted to easily understood English by Miles Malleson.