French comedy is never an easy feat, but it is one worth tackling for the theatre students at Southwestern College as they produce their Homecoming show, “The Miser” by Moliere, adapted by David Chambers and directed by Allyson Moon.

“The Miser” is a comedy of manners about a rich moneylender named Harpagon (Jordan Hill). His feisty children, Elise (Zoe Rae) and Cleante (Levi Nord), long to escape from his penny-pinching household and marry their respective lovers, Valere (Austin Davis) and Marianne (Arijana Cook).          

The actors and actresses have encountered challenges with acting in this French comedy.

“The biggest challenge for me in ‘The Miser’ is learning to correctly bring all the French influences into my character,” Danielle Morford said.  “I do not know much about French history or culture so this has been quite a learning process.”

Morford is playing the flirtatious Frosine in the production.

“Having the opportunity to play a character who is very flirtatious and gets what she wants is very fun,” said Morford.

The show has a wide variety of characters, some of whom change personalities multiple times.

“This is my first experience playing an elderly man, so channeling the mannerisms, movements, and physicality of an older man is a new experience for me,” said Jordan Hill.

According to director Allyson Moon, “The Miser” is a classic script that incorporates a lot of modern humor, which makes it a fun choice for Southwestern’s homecoming production.

“The translation we are using is very accessible for a modern audience and makes the experience very fun,” said Hill. 

“The Miser” will be performed Thursday, Oct. 11, Friday, Oct. 13, and Saturday, Oct. 14 in the Richardson Performing Arts Center. For tickets or more information, call the Southwestern College box office at (620) 221-7720 or (620) 229-6171, or visit their website at www.sckans.edu/theatre.  Devices to assist those with hearing problems are available in the box office, and an area is reserved for handicapped patrons and their companions in the rear of the hall.