This timeless comedy of manners is considered one of Molière's most probing and mature works. While it's still an exemplar of 16th century farce, Molière went beyond his usual comic inventiveness to create a world of rich, complex characters, especially in the cynical title character Alceste, played here by the Tony Award-winning actor Brian Bedford. Lead funding for this production is provided by the Sidney E. Frank Foundation. This recording also includes an interview with Larry F. Norman author of The Public Mirror: Molière and the Social Commerce of Depiction.

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring: Brian Bedford as Alceste, JD Cullum as Clitandre, Sarah Drew as Eliante, Martin Jarvis as Philinte, Darren Richardson as Basque, Du Bois, Susan Sullivan as Arsinoe, Nick Toren as Oronte, Matt Wolf as Acaste, Guard, Bellamy Young as Celimene. Directed by Rosalind Ayres. Translated by Richard Wilbur.