When unrivaled satirist Moliere’s “Taftuffe” premiered in Paris in 1664, the Archbishop of Paris convinced King Louis XIV to ban it on religious grounds even though the King admitted it was ” extremely diverting.” Well, it is hilariously diverting and the themes of deceit, hypocrisy, lechery and larceny are timeless, so why not have some real fun lampooning them. Director Julie Fishell and the cast of UCSB’s Department of Theater and Dance have brewed up a the fastest moving and most energetically entertaining staging of this gem I have ever seen. If you’re in the mood for a lushly costumed laugh fest, don’t miss this one. Four more shows at Hatlen Theater March 4th thru the 7th. Tickets here.
