2003 Miracle Yearbook

MONEY AND MARRIAGE Laughter and frivolity ruled the dreary evenings ofOctober 2002 as director Mischelle McIntosh brought a traditional comedy, The Miser, to the Cedarville University Theatre. Senior Brian Coon performed magnificently as Harpagon,the penny-hoarding miser who ironically lost his two grown children to undesirable arranged marriages. Harpagon perpetually obsessed over his first love, money,while trying to win the hand ofa young maiden. Harpagon's true nature was not a secret, and this knowledge contributed to much ofthe play's humor. In the words ofhis son, played by senior Ryan Culpepper,"He won't even pay you his respect. He'll only lend it to you and charge interest." The climax included a satirical act ofcomic desperation in which Harpagon lost his money and interrogated his own daughter in search ofit. Moliere wrote The Miser during the 17th century and placed it in a European setting. Many ofMoliere's plays focused on social and economic matters specifically relating to marital and monetary issues. This focus provided a brilliant backdrop for much ofhis humor. "The play was hilarious, and the set was absolutely phenomenal. I loved how Harpagon stressed over his strongbox and his money,"freshman Justin Clouse said. While the main character never fully understood the meaning ofgenerosity, family,and love,the performance left the audience with a light-hearted, side-splitting realization ofthese values through the caricatures in the play. A brilliant set ofsupporting actors included Amanda Lynn Lucarini, Kristin Sando,and Scott Ryan. Mischelle McIntosh directed a comedy nothing less than remarkable,and a large production staffcoordinated an impressive set, costumes,and makeup. The actors and crew took full advantage ofthe wonderful facilities at Cedarville and produced a play that all audiences enjoyed. The audience enjoys the humor of the play that mocks marital and monetary difficulties. S4 FALL SEMESTER