Theater Stages Satirical ‘Government Inspector’

Mitchell Thomas, Westmont theater arts professor and award-winning director, stages “The Government Inspector,” adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the original by Nikolai Gogol, on Oct. 18-19, 24-26, all at 7:30 p.m. in Westmont’s Porter Theatre. General admission is $15; and $10 for seniors and students. Purchase tickets at westmont.edu/boxoffice. For more information, please call (805) 565-7040.

“The Government Inspector,” an entertaining satirical play, focuses on a small Russian village that learns of a secret, undercover government inspector coming for a surprise visit. When panic arises from a case of mistaken identity, the whole village spirals into a world of hysteria, disarray and greed.

Thomas says the wildly hilarious adaptation exposes bureaucratic corruption with sharp wit and fun. “It’s a classic farce, and one the funniest play in the canon,” Thomas says. “The comedy is relevant in any age, but we might feel the satire is especially on point in an era where the greed, corruption, and hubris of the characters feel unnervingly familiar.”

Later this fall, graduating theater major Cierra Denning directs “Everyman,” a late 15th century morality play, on Dec. 6-7 in Porter Theatre.

Guest Artist Nita June Davanzo directs “Love and Information,” a play exploring contemporary issues about knowledge, technology and communication and our capacity for love, on Jan. 30-Feb. 2 in the Black Box Theatre.

“Our season this year is eclectic, giving audiences and artists a wide-ranging mix of genres, styles and theatrical experiences,” Thomas says.

Westmont’s annual spring opera, combining the college’s music and theater departments, features a combination of “Cambiale di Matrimonio” and “Gianni Schicchi” on Feb. 28, March 1 and 3 at the New Vic Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara. “The collaboration will be a highlight of the year, performing at the beautiful New Vic,” Thomas says. “Last year we had many new Santa Barbara audiences exposed to Westmont theater, and we welcome the chance to continue that relationship with our fresh and fun approach to these wonderful operas.”

All ticket reservations are held at the box office, which opens 45 minutes before each performance.