Regent University’s She Stoops to Conquer Opens January 23

Powder your wig and lace up your corset as Regent University Theatre presents She Stoops to Conquer, a Georgian-era comedy of mistaken identities and secret romance.

The show runs in Regent’s Performing Arts Center Studio Theatre Jan. 23-25 and Jan. 29-Feb. 1 with performances at 7:30 p.m. and weekend matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Purchase tickets at the University Box Office.

The story follows the hopeful betrothal of wealthy Charles Marlow (John Scritchfield) to the illustrious Kate Hardcastle (Stephanie Semiday). The problem? Charles is shifty around upper-class females, forcing Kate to pose as a maid—or “stooping to conquer” his heart.

Laced within the storyline, the genius playwright, Oliver Goldsmith, incorporates more facets of comedy than you can fit under a hoop skirt.

“She Stoops moves deftly between comedy styles: Manners, Sentimental, Romantic, Farce and Slapstick,” said Marianne Savell, director and assistant professor in Regent’s School of Communication & the Arts. “It’s fun and demanding.”

It’s also a tribute to the era in which the comedy was written. According to Savell, many of the costumes and sets used for the production are what the audience members would have come across at the show’s origin.

“We’ve taken the idea of the ‘throwback’ and played with it, moving the play ‘forward’ with music, lights and at times style; mixing modern movement with more period movement,” said Savell.

And in spite of the themes that teeter between the rich and poor, city and country life, servant and master, according to Savell, one thematic element breaks through them all.

“Ultimately it’s about love and the compromises we make to have it,” said Savell. “Thanks for joining us, and tell your friends.”