The Miser

by Timothy Mooney

Harpagon loves nothing so much as his money, not even his own children. So, even though both his son and daughter have fallen in love with young, vital partners, Harpagon attempts to engage them to a rich widow and widower in their declining years. Making matters worse, Harpagon wants to marry his son's lover himself, his only regret being she has very little money as a dowry. This rhymed-verse adaptation of Moliere's classic comedy explores the fine line between money and love and the consequences of valuing the former over the latter. (A short version of this play is also available.)

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The Miser

Cast: 10 Male, 4 Female*, 14 Total
* These numbers reflect traditional casting; there is no reason why some traditionally “male” characters could not be cast as women. (Factoring in doubling, this could mean 3-8 Female Characters and 5-10 Male.)
HARPAGON, father of Cleante and Elise, and in love with Mariane.
ANSELME, father of Valere and Mariane.
CLEANTE, son of Harpagon, in love with Mariane.
ELISE, daughter of Harpagon, in love with Valere.
VALERE, son of Anselme, in love with Elise.
MARIANE, daughter to Anselme, in love with Cleante.
FROSINE, a woman of intrigue.
SIMON, a broker.
MASTER JACQUES, cook and coachman to Harpagon.
LA FLECHE, servant to Cleante.
DAME CLAUDE, servant to Harpagon.
BRINDAVOINE,
> Harpagon’s Lackeys
LA MERLUCHE,
A COMMISSIONER

Production History

Type University, Organization Indiana University Northwest, Year 2014
Type Community Theater, Organization Venice Theatre, Year 2012
Type High School, Organization St. Saviour High School, Year 2010
Type Community Theater, Organization Grande Prairie Theatre Company, Year 2006
Type University, Organization Northwestern College, Year 2000
Type University, Organization Texas Wesleyan University, Year 1999
Type Professional, Organization Stage Two Theatre Company, Year 1998

Awards

All State Award

Wisconsin State Theatre Festival

Finalist

2009

Genre

adaptation,

comedy,

commedia dell'arte,

farce,

movement/physical,

parody/spoof,

period,

romantic comedy,

satire,

translation,

verse

Subject Matter Keywords

miser,

Moliere,

17th Century

Length

90 minutes to two hours

Cast Size

11—14

Age of Intended Audience

all ages

Supporting Materials

Published Script

https://www.playscripts.com/play/1607

Script Sample

The Miser (Sample).pdf

Reviews

Chicago Tribune

“
Somehow it all hangs together beautifully. The ingeniously constructed, teasing rhymes add a rich overlay of stylistic repartee to what is otherwise merely an outrageous situation. Some purists might quarrel... but this "Miser'' really does seem to jump off the page with new energy.
”
Pioneer Press

“
Mooney’s iambic pentameter enlivens the story and puts some extra punch in its punchlines. And if you fear an evening of dry classicism, Mooney is only too willing to stoop to conquer. … Thanks to Mooney’s nimble pen and cast, “The Miser” makes for a generous evening of theater.
”