Satirical comedy 'The Government Inspector' opens CCM Mainstage Series

A good satire bites when it is written, says director Richard Hess, but a great satire withstands the test of time and continues to bite for future generations. He is referring to political comedy The Government Inspector, which opens the 2018-19 Mainstage Series at UC’s College-Conservatory of Music on Oct. 3, 2018.

Written by Russian dramatist Nikolai Gogol in 1834 and adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher in 2008, The Government Inspector is a hilarious reminder of the terrifying timelessness of bureaucracy and buffoonery. When the locals of a small town learn that an undercover government inspector is coming for a surprise visit, a case of mistaken identity sends the whole village spiraling into a world of panic and greed.

The play was originally presented in 1836 with the consent of Russian Emperor Nicholas I, but it is said that “he later regretted his tolerance,” says Hess, Chair of CCM Acting. “The Government Inspector is a classic because it was funny then and it is funny now.” Hess adds. “Our production is set in an 1836 that feels uncannily like 2018.”

Hatcher’s adaptation premiered off-Broadway in 2017 to great acclaim. The New York Times called it a “buoyant” production that “generates the kind of collective enthusiasm in its audience that you associate with home-team football games.”

After choosing serious dramas for CCM Acting’s Mainstage Series for the past few years, Hess wanted to produce a show that makes audiences laugh long and laugh hard. He says he laughed during every rehearsal with CCM Acting students, and he hopes audiences will fill the theater with laughter at every performance.

• 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 3 (preview)
• 8 p.m. Thursday, October 4
• 8 p.m. Friday, October 5
• 2 p.m. Saturday, October 6
• 8 p.m. Saturday, October 6
• 2 p.m. Sunday, October 7

Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Tickets prices start at $28. Discounts are available for UC and non-UC students. Preview performance tickets start at $15. Service changes may apply for online orders.

Student rush tickets will be available one hour before each performance to non-UC students, based on availability. UC students can receive one free student rush ticket with a valid Bearcat ID, based on availability.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online through CCM's e-Box Office.

Customizable subscription packages are also available for CCM’s 2018-19 Mainstage Series.

Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.
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Mainstage Production Sponsor: Macy’s
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THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR is presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Play Service, Inc., New York.

Featured image at top: Photo/Mark Lyons