The Liar
San Diego's David Ives Victory Tour continues at the Scripps Ranch Theatre. As with his Venus in Fur and The School for Lies, The Liar is a tour de force. Based on Pierre Corneille's 1643 comedy about a compulsive prevaricator, Ives combines then and now with pentameter lines, flashy couplets, and low-level contemporary slang. The world's just too drab for Dorante. He makes up stores that people take for minted truth. But he's mistaken too: he woos the wrong woman and must un-weave the tangled web of his deceptions. Talented director Robert May shows an affinity for the language(s) and the physical comedy the script requires, in particular a hilarious, mimed swordfight/steeplechase over Andy Scrimger's sleek set. The night I saw it, the cast tended to push the comedy with heavy-handed readings. There's no need, since this is a very funny show.
Worth a try.
When
Ongoing until Sunday, April 27, 2014
Hours
| Sundays, 2pm |
| Fridays, 8pm |
| Saturdays, 8pm |