Open Sound Check + Q&A with Lucía Glaize Studio Theatre Thursday, October 30 at 7:30PMFriday, October 31 at 7:30PMSaturday, November 1 at 2:30PMSaturday, November 1 at 7:30PMSunday, November 2 at 2:30PM Written by MolièreTranslated and adapted by James Magruder Directed by Paul Mason Barnes In a world obsessed with wealth, power and control, Molière’s classic comedy feels as fresh — and ruthless — as ever. Harpagon is a tyrannical penny-pincher who values money above family, freedom and love. When he announces plans to marry the much younger Mariane (who happens to be in love with his son) and force his daughter into a loveless but profitable match, the house revolts. Schemes are hatched, secrets are revealed and Harpagon’s beloved stash of gold suddenly vanishes — sending him into a full-blown panic that pulls everyone, even the audience, into the chaos. Under the direction of guest artist Paul Mason Barnes, The Miser is packed with sharp wit, wild reversals and a not-so-subtle jab at the cost of greed — a bold, biting reminder that some things should never be for sale. Suggested Show Rating: PG-13 This production contains mature themes, including references to sex, animal cruelty and/or death, and discrimination and/or bigotry. Please be aware that our actors make full use of the space, including the aisles and other audience spaces. Paul Mason Barnes’ residency at Shenandoah Conservatory is made possible by the Lewis Endowed Fund for Excellence in Acting Training. Meet the Guest Director Paul Mason Barnes is an award-winning American theatre director, educator and arts administrator celebrated for his dynamic work across Shakespeare, musicals, new plays and classic revivals. His passion lies in storytelling — regardless of venue — from modest stages to lavish productions. A founding producing director of both the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, Minnesota, and the Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland, Oregon, Barnes has also contributed significantly to theatrical education. He served as conservatory director and associate artistic director at PCPA Theaterfest in California and was education director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Barnes’s freelance directing encompasses esteemed regional theatres, festivals and university programs across the United States, from the Folger Theatre and Denver Center to Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Syracuse Stage and Virginia Stage Company. His work has received glowing reviews in top-tier publications such as The Washington Post (“lucid, compelling”), Newsweek (“superb”), The Wall Street Journal (“authoritative, masterful”) and Opera News (“profound”). Digital Program Shenandoah Conservatory uses digital programs for all performances. In addition to their engaging and accessible design, digital programs are cost effective, environmentally friendly and enable us to create and update our programs more efficiently, which means we can focus our resources on the performances you love! View our digital programs by clicking the button above, scanning the QR code in our venue or texting PROGRAM to (540) 307-2336 at the performance. [Note: Digital programs are best viewed on your mobile or tablet device.] View Digital Program Accessibility Accommodations for disabilities may be arranged by contacting the Box Office at least three days prior to the performance.