Spring 2026 Theatre season closes with Molière’s “School for Wives”

The court of King Louis XIV took over Shamblin Theater this weekend for a production of School for Wives. 

Audiences who expected a traditional retelling of the playwright Molière’s comedy were in for a surprise: dancers of the Court wore matching hot pink tennis shoes, servants solved Rubick’s cubes onstage and a suitor serenaded his lover with Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.”

Director Nat McIntyre said he worked to honor Molière’s original story from 1662, but he also wanted to create an adaptation for a modern audience.

One of his main changes was to add the court of Louis XIV, who was king during Molière’s time. Audiences were welcomed to the theater by Louis himself, reimagined as a French DJ who controlled the play’s soundtrack.

Members of Louis’ court frequently “paused” the show to offer their own interpretations or comments, creating a “play-inside-of-a play.”  

“All those court characters are actually historical figures, obviously with some creative license,” said McIntyre. “Some of their lines were things those people actually said. We updated it so that we can understand that it’s not this museum piece.”

School for Wives is the second Molière play that McIntyre has directed at Lipscomb. The French playwright is known for using comedy to critique society. His satires challenge audiences to take a new look at themselves.

Dr. Kelly Kidder, a French professor at Lipscomb University, said that Molière is renowned in France. 

“When French people talk to each other, they will often quote Molière,” said Kidder. 

Kidder says that Molière’s art is just as relevant today as it was in 1662. 

“His goal was to kind of poke fun at people, to help them see themselves. He wanted to critique society– how can we do better? What is the hypocrisy that we’re all seeing, or what is unique that needs to change?” Kidder explained.

McIntyre said that although he originally hesitated to choose School for Wives, he quickly realized that this story was one that still needs to be told.

“It just became more and more clear to me that for our audience, our play is about this girl who is trying to find her way in this world… She is trying to hold on to the core of who she was, and honor what she was taught, but also find her own way.”

Audiences who watched the play enjoyed a stunning performance from Tiger Dulaney, who played the main character of Arnolphe. Dulaney kept his audience rolling in laughter from his first monologue to his final bow.

Jaidyn Smart played Agnes, the play’s main female role, captivating audiences with a beautiful song at the beginning of the play. Her performance ended with an impassioned speech to King Louis’ court, which highlighted her growth throughout the play. She learned to choose her own way, and find her place in the world.

The show closed with a French dance party as the cast took their final bows and said “Au revoir.”

Feature image courtesy of Lipscomb Theatre.