How Gentlemanly

Some people argue America is a classless society because of the opportunity for social mobility. We, goes the argument, succeed on merit, not politics. In 1670, an interesting cross section in history when feudalism had died but proto-capitalist trade systems were emerging, the popular play Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, or The Bourgeois Gentleman, lampooned the concept of social climbing — its name is ironic as a man could not be a “gentleman” if he were part of the bourgeoisie. Only those born into nobility received the title.

Fast-forward to 1971, the high-flying ways of our Hollywood royalty are anything but gentlemanly. Mad Cat Theater will narrow the theme even further with its modern adaptation of the play and its lead character Monsieur Jourdain. Viva Bourgeois will traverse the debauchery of the era with a character of the same name, except now he looks a whole lot like Elvis. So, Viva Graceland, where “kung fu, prescription drugs, and cheeseburgers” rule, and commercials for Viagra aren’t the most common reason to hear the king.

Viva Bourgeois will open 8 p.m. Friday at the Light Box Theatre, located at 3000 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Shows run Thursdays through Saturdays until August 22. Tickets cost $25 and up. Call 305-576-6377, or visit madcattheatre.org for more information.
Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m. Starts: July 24. Continues through Aug. 22, 2009