THE STORY: Fearing cuckoldry above all else, Arnolphe has painstakingly trained the guileless Agnes from childhood to become his obedient and faithful wife. Although he has carefully shielded her from the outside world, romance finds her in the form of the dashing Horace, son of one of Arnolphe’s best friends. Unaware of who his rival is, the trusting Horace enlists Arnolphe’s aid in wooing Agnes—that leads to a series of hilarious and inventive twists and turns of plot, until the inevitable conclusion is reached: The wily Arnolphe is duped into outwitting himself, and young love, as it will, carries the day.
This facile and witty new version of Molière’s classic comedy shares honors with Mr. Wilbur’s translations of
Tartuffe and
The Misanthrope for its brilliance and theatrical viability.
“It once more shows that Molière can be funny, blithe and totally enchanting.” —The New York Times.
“…warmth, the richness of smiling humanity and a marvelous quality of humorous zest.” —New York Post.
“…a thing of joy…a carefree, happy and sparkling romp to be seen and enjoyed by young and old alike.” —Newsday (NY).
