The Middle Class Gentleman

When money can buy anything—except good taste. In The Middle Class Gentleman, Molière delivers a sparkling satire of social climbing, pretension, and the eternal desire to be something one is not. Monsieur Jourdain, a wealthy but foolish merchant, is determined to rise above his bourgeois roots and become a true aristocrat. From hiring dance and fencing masters to learning how to speak like a nobleman, he spares no expense—much to the amusement (and frustration) of those around him. As his delusions grow, so does the chaos, leading to a hilarious web of mistaken identities, sham nobility, and family rebellion. First performed in 1670 with music and ballet by Jean-Baptiste Lully, this comédie-ballet remains one of Molière's most beloved works. A brilliant comedy of manners and mockery, The Middle Class Gentleman skewers vanity and ambition with elegance, wit, and timeless flair.