The Beaux' Stratagem

by George Farquhar, adapted by Thornton Wilder and Ken Ludwig

• Directed by John Staniunas
• Scenic and Costume Design by Delores Ringer
• Lighting Design by Kristina Banton

Thornton Wilder (Our Town) completed half an adaptation of George Farquhar's (The Recruiting Officer) late Restoration comedy in 1939. In 2004, Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor) completed the task. What results is a lively piece of collaborative drama with both a modern and classic sensibility; the result of three gifted playwrights representing over 300 years of theatrical history. This is a Restoration Comedy in every sense of the word. The Beaux' Stratagem satirizes the institutions of love and marriage through the exploits of two broke young gentlemen who leave London for Lichfield in search of love and money. As they navigate the social world of small-town England in 1707, pratfalls, repartee, and general comic mayhem ensue. The drama explores serious themes of gender relations and matrimonial strife, but always with a refreshingly sharp comic edge.

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Performances

• Thursday, February 24, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
• Friday, February 25, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
• Saturday, February 26, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
• Friday, March 4, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
• Saturday, March 5, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
• Sunday, March 6, 2:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre

Ticket Prices

• Public: $18
• Senior Citizens & KU Faculty/Staff: $17
• All Students: $10