The Liar Opens 85th Season at Westport Country Playhouse

Philippe Bowgen, Jay Russell, and Aaron Krohn in David Ives’ “The Liar,” adapted from the comedy by Pierre Corneille, directed by Penny Metropulos, at Westport Country Playhouse, now playing through May 23.  (203) 227-4177.  www.westportplayhouse.org      Photo by Carol Rosegg

Westport Country Playhouse opens ts 2015 Season with the comedy, The Liar, an adaptation in rhyme by David Ives of Pierre Corneille’s classic comedy that weaves an increasingly intricate web of lies leading to romantic misadventures.  Celebrating the Playhouse’s 85^th season, the comedy will run through May 23, directed by Penny Metropulos.

Aaron Krohn portrays Dorante, “The Liar.”  Charming and quick-witted, he has a gift for stretching the truth. When he falls in love, his fabrications lead to a high wire act as he tries to stay one step ahead of everyone. 

The cast also includes: Monique Barbee as Lucrece, who recognizes Dorante for the liar and flatterer he is.  Philippe Bowgen as Alcippe, Dorante’s outrageously jealous friend, Rebekah Brockman in the dual role of Isabelle/Sabine, twin servants, one prurient, the other puritanical and Kate MacCluggage as Clarice, who plots to expose Dorante’s lies.  

Brian Reddy is Geronte, Dorante’s easily duped father. Rusty Ross is Cliton, Dorante’s virtuous-to-a-fault servant and Jay Russell as Philiste, Alcippe’s honorable and reasonable friend.

Ives’s play Lives of the Saints was Off-Broadway this spring. His best known plays are All in the Timing and Venus in Fur. 

The Liar runs through May 23. Performances are Tuesday at 7 pm; Wednesday at 2 and 8 pm,  Thursday and Friday at 8 pm; Saturday at 3 and 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm.  Single tickets start at $30: 203-227-4177;  888-927-7529;  Box Office, 25 Powers Court; www.westportplayhouse.org,