Denison Theatre presents ‘The Government Inspector’

The Department of Theatre presents "The Government Inspector," a satire written by Nikolai Gogol and adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher '80.

Notice: this information is for a past event.
Ticket Info:
Free to Denison students, faculty and staff. General admission $8, Senior Citizen $5, Non-Denison students $4. Tickets may be reserved by calling the box office at 740-587-6544.
Sponsor(s):
Theatre
Photo for promotion of “The Government Inspector,” a satire written by Nikolai Gogol and adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher ’80

“The Government Inspector” 

  • Written by Nikolai Gogol 
  • Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, DU ’80, Jonathan R. Reynolds Playwright-in-Residence 
  • Cheryl McFarren, Director 
  • Assoc. Prof. Cynthia Turnbull, Costume and Wig Designer 
  • Assoc. Prof. Peter Pauzé, Scenic & Lighting Designer 
  • Andrew Johns, Sound Designer 
  • Isaac Andrews ’20, Production Stage Manager 
  • Nicholas Radmer ’18, Assistant Director

The Department of Theatre presents “The Government Inspector,” a satire written by Nikolai Gogol and adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher ’80. It’s an old story: A small town. Incompetent public servants under investigation. An effort to cover up corruption. Russia. Everything old is made new again! Gogol’s classic 1836 satire is given new life in this adaptation by Denison alumnus Jeffrey Hatcher. The “Minneapolis Star Tribune” wrote that it is “…a comedy of galumphing, harrumphing hilarity. One part farce, one part slapstick…this naughty, frothy play is wholly entertaining.”

“One thing the world needs now is laughter, and this madcap play provides it. Working with Jeffrey Hatcher has been a delightful master class in both comic writing and delivery. What a treat!” said director Cheryl McFarren, associate professor of theatre.

The play takes place at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 2 and 3, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 4, and at 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, March 7 to 10.

Several corrupt local officials, as well as the Locksmith’s wife and the Corporal’s Widow, arrive at the mayor’s house to complain to Khlestakov about the mayor’s behavior.
Marya, the mayor’s daughter, abruptly kisses a surprised Khlestakov in the mayor’s living room.
The Mayor and townspeople look at the corrupt Principal, who holds a feather plume in his hand.
Khlestakov ducks by a side table as the mayor’s daughter, Marya, lays on the bear-skin rug, in an attempt not to get caught together.
Khlestakov stands behind the smiling mayor’s wife, Anna, as she plays a concertina.
The Mayor leads the townspeople and his family in a toast as Khlestakov lies asleep on top of a bear-skin rug.
Khlestakov yelps in pain as the Mayor and the Mayor’s housekeeper, Grusha, both grab onto him. The mayor’s wife, daughter, and several townspeople watch in varying levels of amusement and concern.
Khlestakov, a lowly civil servant, shakes the hand of his servant, Osip, when they both realize that the town has mistaken him for a government inspector.
At the mayor’s house to complain to Khlestakov, the Corporal’s widow fearfully jumps onto the back of the surprised merchant, Abdullin.
Svetsunov, the town Chief of Police, smacks the heads of the town gossip duo, Dobchinsky and Bobcinsky, together.

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