Opening tonight is Swine Palace Theatre’s production of a comedic and intriguingly romantic English classic, adopted to a South
Thought to be the first laughing comedy, “She Stoops To Conquer” has entertained theaters all over the world since its first staging in London in 1773 with its quirky characterizations and plot twists.
“It’s one of the greatest English comedies of all time,” said Vastine Stabler, Swine Palace marketing director. “It really has become a template for comedy.”
Bringing the beloved play “She Stoops to Conquer” to life is nationally renowned visiting director Jane Page. Immediately after reading this play, which is usually set in the countryside of England, Stabler said Page saw the wonderful comic opportunities of placing the play in a Louisiana plantation home after the Civil War. 
The Oliver Goldsmith play opens with two gentlemen who travel to the country to meet a potential love. When they wander into a tavern, a practical joker tells them they are far from where they are headed, but there is a place for them to stay down the road. The men then go to the house they were directed to, unaware that they have been guided to their original destination.
When the potential love discovers what has been done, a series of comedic moments follows intertwined with hints of romance and confusion.
Two acclaimed veteran New York actors, Robert Rutland and Peggy Cosgrave, will play the pivotal roles of the befuddled patriarch and matriarch of the Hardcastle Plantation, whose lives are being turned upside down by out-of-control pranks.
“This play is fun, romantic and a true classic,” Stabler said. “It’s about dealing with the perceptions of where we are in the world and where others are.”
“She Stoops to Conquer” opens tonight at the Reilly Theatre on campus and will run until May 7. All of the shows begin at 7:30 p.m. with matinees April 23, April 30 and May 7 at 2 p.m.
 
Contact Kelly Caulk
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