Production History: 2006, The Shakespeare Theatre (Washington D.C.)
"This play is Farquhar, but it is seen through other lenses. I think that's part of our mission: to rescue and bring back plays that need to be seen but perhaps need to be thought about somewhat differently."
-Director Michael Kahn (address during the show's first rehearsal)-
Featured the premier of the Wilder-Ludwig adaptation of Farquhar's text (follow the link for details on the adaptation).
Review Excerpts
Jayne Blanchard, "'Beaux' Script Piles on Abuse - Heavy-Handed Humor Detracts from Cast's Stellar Performances" (The Washington Times, 17 Nov 2006)
The three voices prove a disharmonious mismatch, with schmaltzy shtick and below-the Borscht-belt yuks [...] tossed into this already over-the-top play about gold-digging gentleman rakes on the prowl in the English countryside.
Schlock meets misogyny in this world-premiere adaptation, which defaces both women and the institution of marriage with the same barbed brush.
Peter Marks, "There's Life in the Old 'Beaux' Yet" (The Washington Post, 15 Nov 2006)
One of the major benefits of clearing out the play's narrative and linguistic underbrush is tautness. The focus has been sharpened -- it's more of a caper comedy now, and so the story has more shape and assuredness.
Reviews
"The Beaux' Stratagem," Rich See, CurtainUp
"The Beaux' Stratagem," Michael Toscano, TheaterMania
"The Beaux' Stratagem," Susan Berlin,Talkin' Broadway
"There's Life in the Old 'Beaux' Yet," Peter Marks, The Washington Post
Related Sites
The production’s site: Site includes a collection of Stratagem-related articles, including some particulars regarding the adaptation. Also includes a curriculum guide for teachers.
Ludwig’s site: Check out the Beaux' Stratagem section, which includes an interview with Ludwig, along with a collection of related articles.
Preview of the adaptation: Available through Google books.
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