Skip navigation

Molière’s “Tartuffe” to be presented during the 26th season of Shakespeare in the Grove

Tidewater Community College Theatre celebrates its 26th season of Shakespeare in the Grove with the production of the comedy “Tartuffe” by French playwright, Molière. This is the first time that the outdoor festival has featured a non-Shakespeare play.

“We are turning a new page with Shakespeare in the Grove and presenting a work by a playwright who came on the scene shortly after Shakespeare,” said TCC Professor Matthew Gorris, director of this year’s Shakespeare in the Grove. “We’re thrilled to offer this community event once again, as it’s become a local gem. There’s absolutely nothing else like it in the area.”

The free public performances will be held June 21-25, starting at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

This year’s production will take center stage on the Grove stage, located behind the Pass building on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road. A cast and crew of more than 25 students and veteran actors will bring this popular Molière play to life.

Shakespeare in the Grove got its start with a “passion and a plank” according to founder Ed Jacob, the faculty member with the idea to launch outdoor theatre on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus with its grove of trees and open spaces. What started in 1996 with four platforms to perform on, a limited budget, scenery and simple costumes has grown into a professional production with a full stage, vibrant costumes, lights and plenty of technical support.

“Tartuffe” takes place in the home of the wealthy Orgon family, where Tartuffe—a fraud and a pious imposter—has insinuated himself. He succeeds magnificently in winning the respect and devotion of the head of the house and then tries to marry his daughter and seduce his wife and scrounge the deed to the property. He nearly gets away with it, but an emissary from King Louis XIV arrives in time to recover the property, free Monsieur Orgon, and haul Tartuffe off to jail.

In the play, Tartuffe’s duplicity is finally exposed and punished. But not before the author has mercilessly examined the evil that men can commit in the guise of religious fervor and the dangers that imperil those who would believe only what they choose to believe despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary.

Shakespeare in the Grove is sponsored by TCC and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner; insect repellent is also recommended. Also, the Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake will be on-site selling concessions.

For more information, contact Matthew Gorris at mgorris@tcc.edu or 757-822-5219. For current show information, including any cancellations, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and search for TCC Theatre.

Shakespeare in the Grove returns to Chesapeake Campus, June 23-27

Tidewater Community College’s Shakespeare in the Grove is back after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thrilled to be back with this community gem that welcomes hundreds to the Chesapeake Campus for an evening of theatre under the stars,” said Kelly Gillerlain, dean of Chesapeake Campus. “This family-friendly event is a great way to get outside and enjoy a warm summer night.”

Mistaken identities, romance, revelry and hijinks abound in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night or What you Will” on stage at TCC’s 24th Shakespeare in the Grove.

“Twelfth Night” actors Cai Luzak (Sebastian), Isabella Wisham (Viola), Alina Grace Whitmore (Orsino) and Michelle Jenkins (Olivia).

Sponsored by TCC and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission, Shakespeare in the Grove includes free, outdoor public performances to be held June 23-27, starting at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

“Twelfth Night or What You Will” is set on the rum-soaked streets of Port Royal in 1692. Pirates, aristocrats and peasants mingle together, making for a raucous comedy.  In the plot, Viola loves Orsino, who loves Olivia, who loves Cesario, who is actually Viola! This topsy-turvy play features live music and a festive atmosphere, making for a fun-filled adventure on stage.

This is the fifth production at the new outdoor “grove” platform, located behind the Pass Building on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road. A cast and crew of more than 20 student and veteran actors and 15 technicians will bring the Bard’s wild comedy to life.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. Insect repellent is also recommended.

Refreshments can also be purchased on-site from the Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake. Offerings include popcorn, ice cream, burgers, sodas and more.

Tickets are not required and the community is encouraged to attend. Due to the need for social distancing, seating for this event is limited.

For more information, contact Matthew Gorris at mgorris@tcc.edu or 757-822-5219.