There are two new Londoners in town, and something isn’t quite as it seems. Wilder and Ludwig bring this bawdy 18th century restoration comedy to life with a quick-witted modern twist. Join our lovers, adventurers and villains in their world of fast paced comedy, disguise, subterfuge and the power of true love.

The West Virginia University School of Theatre and Dance will present the classic comedy with a contemporary flare, “The Beaux’ Stratagem,” by George Farquhar (adaption by Thornton Wilder and Ken Ludwig) in the Gladys G. Davis Theatre on Nov. 19-20 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 1-5 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.

The 18th century comedies were written as a celebration of life, love and the pursuit of pleasure. Farquhar’s “The Beaux’ Stratagem” is no exception, as two London gentlemen, Archer and Aimwell, come hunting for their fortunes in the small English town of Litchfield.

Disguised as servant and master, the two Londoners find that the innkeeper and his daughter may be hiding something as well. In fact, everyone seems to be disguising their true self as a means to personal gain. As Archer and Aimwell’s plot is thrown by the beautiful Dorinda and Kate, the beaux must work by stratagem in order to find their way through the upside-down situation they have gotten themselves into.

Thornton Wilder and Ken Ludwig have taken this age-old comedy and given it new life, making it accessible for a modern audience. Guest Director Richard Garner has remained true to the comedy of the 18th century, while playing with the subtle, modern intricacies that Thornton and Ludwig intended – thus keeping the language clean, specific and fast-paced.

Costume designer Lauren Brennan, lighting designer Josh Williamson and set designer Robert Klingelhoefer have also included modern nuances into their designs that will surprise and delight the audience. Listen for the blend of modern music with classic harpsicord in the design and music composition by Alan McEwen and Mark Benincosa
The cast features MFA Acting students Lonnie Simmons, Imana Rachelle, Joe Gay, Andra Ward, Madeline Hintz and Joseph Bussey. Also featured are BFA Acting students Isaac Snyder, Maggie Dransfield, Stefanie LeMasters, Josh Clevenger, Woody Pond, Allison Chester, Ben Brooks, Afsheen Misaghi and Dylan Lack.

“This show is going to be filled with the unexpected,” said Isaac Snyder, who is playing Aimwell. “Each character will connect to the audience in a way that will have people on the edge of their seats or rolling on the floor with laughter.
“[Director] Richard Garner has really brought life to this play and small group of actors. It’s going to be thrilling, fun and fast from beginning to end.”

Tickets are $20 to the general public, $15 for students, senior citizens and children under 14, and $10 for groups of 10 or more.

For more information on this production of “The Beaux’ Stratagem,” please visit www.theatre.wvu.edu, call 304-293-2020 or email theatre@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

jg/11/14/15

CONTACT: David Welsh, College of Creative Arts
304-293-3397, David.Welsh@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter