English

The Impromptu of Versailles

LibriVox recording of The Impromptu of Versailles by Molière. (Translated by Henri van Laun.) Read in English by a full cast. The setup here is that Moliere and his troupe have been sent for by the King to come perform at Versailles. But instead of the piece they had prepared, the King has just asked for an entirely new piece - to be ready later that same day! So all the action of the play takes place backstage as Moliere has to come up with a story and the troupe has to select and prepare roles in a mad panic. Many of the comments in the banter between actors concern personages from Moliere's time - we don't necessarily know them but the biting of the satire still comes clearly through. - Summary by ToddHW Cast list: Moliere, a ridiculous Marquis: Thomas A. Copeland Brecourt, a man of Quality: Tomas Peter La Grange, a ridiculous Marquis: Nemo Du Croisy, a poet: alanmapstone La Thorilliere, a fidgetty Marquis: Chuck Williamson Bejart and the Busybodies: ToddHW Mademoiselle Duparc, a ceremonious Marchioness: Sonia Mademoiselle Bejart, a prude: Beth Thomas Mademoiselle Debrie, a sage coquette: Eva Davis Mademoiselle Moliere, a satirical wit: Sandra Schmit Mademoiselle Du Croisy, a wh

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