A standard subplot concerns Hilare (David Engel), a predatory, arrogant art critic (is there another kind?) with a deep, dark secret. A strange Act 2 swordfight one can only call whimsical between Hilare and Boris (Amir Talai), a struggling sculptor (is there another kind?), is splendidly staged and quite comical. Also appearing are Yvette Tucker as Claudine, Pistache's straying secretary, and Robert Yacko as Le Petomane, the noted French flatulist -- or "fartiste," as he's called here.