She Stoops to Conquer

The first play of the ACM season kicked off last night to smashing reviews.  She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith was the perfect play to begin our time in London.  It was hilarious and fun, witting and whimsical.  The story is a bit like the General Inspector as it has plenty of mistake identities and misguided situations.  The lost gentlemen, quirky squire, and overbearing mother are hilarious.  And, since it is a comedy, it ends in a wedding (or at least the promise of one).

This is the poster the National Theatre put out to promote it.

I know, sort of gives you the wrong impression, doesn't it?  However, the play was still fantastic.  And the set was amazing as well.  The Olivier Theatre is able to rotate 360 degrees and lower a 40 foot contraption beneath the floor.  They have automated lights, a fog machine, and microphones that aren't too overbearing.  And they did set changes in a new and fun way.  They chorus would come out and sing a few words, not really words, but notes, as the set moved around.  They did fun dances and entertaining mini skits.  It was very effective.

Excerpts from some reviews are on the link below.
http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/68406/productions/she-stoops-to-conquer.html