La Bête
September 11 – October 12, 2014
By DAVID HIRSON
Directed by EMMANUELLE DELPECH
On the F. Otto Haas Stage
Dazzling displays of verbal wit and manic farce distinguish this uproarious comedy featuring Arden favorite Scott Greer in the title role of “The Beast.” A crisis befalls a 17th century acting troupe when they are ordered to add an outrageous street performer to their ranks. High art meets low comedy in this tale of theatre, philosophy, and the beast that lives inside every great egomaniac. Directed by Emmanuelle Delpech, Philadelphia Magazine’s Best Theatre Artist of 2011, La Bête boasts a powerhouse performance by one of Philadelphia’s most gifted comedic actors.
Ian Merrill Peakes and Scott Greer
Ian Merrill Peakes as Elomire and Scott Greer as Valere in Arden Theatre Company’s production of La Bête. Photo by Mark Garvin.
Scott Greer
Scott Greer as Valere in Arden Theatre Company’s production of La Bête. Photo by Mark Garvin.
Ian Merrill Peakes and James Ijames
Ian Merrill Peakes as Elomire and James Ijames as Bejart in Arden Theatre Company’s production of La Bête. Photo by Mark Garvin.
Ian Merrill Peakes and Dito van Reigersberg
Ian Merrill Peakes as Elomire and Dito van Reigersberg as Prince Conti in Arden Theatre Company’s production of La Bête. Photo by Mark Garvin.
Dito van Reigersberg
Dito van Reigersberg as Prince Conti in Arden Theatre Company’s production of La Bête. Photo by Mark Garvin.
Alex Bechtel, Wendy Staton, Amanda Schoonover, and Michael Doherty
Alex Bechtel as De Brie, Wendy Staton as Catherine De Brie, Amanda Schoonover as Dorine, and Michael Doherty as Rene Du Parc in Arden Theatre Company’s production of La Bête. Photo by Mark Garvin.
Scott Greer
Scott Greer as Valere in Arden Theatre Company’s production of La Bête. Photo by Mark Garvin.
Ensemble
Wendy Staton as Catherine De Brie, Alex Bechtel as De Brie, Taysha Canales as Madeleine Bejart, Michael Doherty as Rene Du Parc, and Alex Keiper as Marquise-Therese Du Parc in Arden Theatre Company’s production of La Bête. Photo by Mark Garvin.
Scott Greer and Ian Merrill Peakes
Scott Greer as Valere and Ian Merrill Peakes as Elomire in Arden Theatre Company’s production of La Bête. Photo by Mark Garvin.
Amanda Schoonover and Ian Merrill Peakes
Amanda Schoonover as Dorine and Ian Merrill Peakes as Elomire in Arden Theatre Company’s production of La Bête. Photo by Mark Garvin.
Cast
Alex Bechtel (De Brie)
Taysha Canales (Madeleine Bejart)
Michael Doherty (Rene Du Parc)
Scott Greer (Valere)
James Ijames (Bejart)
Alex Keiper (Marquise-Therese Du Parc)
Ian Merrill Peakes (Elomire)
Amanda Schoonover (Dorine)
Wendy Staton (Catherine De Brie)
Dito van Reigersberg (Prince Conti)
Creative
Scenic Designer
James Kronzer
Costume Designer
Rosemarie E. McKelvey
Lighting Designer
Thom Weaver
Sound Designer
Jorge Cousineau
Hair Designer
Jon Carter
Stage Manager
Alec E. Ferrell
Assistant Director
Alice Yorke