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CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Oregon State University Theatre will present Molière's wild and witty comedy classic "The Misanthrope" starting May 9.

Performances are scheduled May 9-11 and May 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. and May 19 at 2 p.m. at OSU's Withycombe Hall Theater.

"The Misanthrope" is a stylish comedy of manners set in a world of fashion, gossip, and love. Within the strict social niceties of French high society, the cynical (and misanthropic) Alceste causes scandal when he refuses to play his part. Sparks fly as couples and rivals engage in verbal spars, backstabbing, and a variety of games in the name of love.

Guest director Tinamarie Ivey wanted to strike a balance between the script's witty, poetic language and broadly expressive physical humor.

"I truly enjoy the classics, and Molière is one of my favorites," she said. "Since 'The Misanthrope' is written in rhyming verse and takes place in 17th-century France, it lends itself to a very specific performance style."

The cast features OSU students Michael Beaton as Acaste, Irene Drage as Guard, Jesslyn Gillespie as Célimène, Megan Grassl as Eliante, J. Garrett Luna as Philiante, Tucker Minnick as Clitandre, Deborah Shapiro as DuBois, and Sam Thompson as Basque. Community members Travis Bazanele (Oronte), Zach Pajak (Alceste), and Dari Lawrie (Arsinoe) also join the cast.

Tickets for the production are $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors, $8 for students/youth, and $5 for OSU students. For more information or ticket purchases, contact OSU Theatre Box Office 541-737-2784 or purchase tickets online at http://oregonstate.edu/dept/theatre/