Author Description

The Heir Apparent was originally written by Frenchman Jean-Francois Regnard in 1705. Broadway's David Ives translated and adapted this version. The story centers on Eraste, a young Frenchman who is desperate to inherit his old uncle Geronte's wealth so that he can marry Isabelle. This proves difficult as Geronte, a miserly man prone to seizures, has other plans. He plans to give his inheritance to distant relatives and, much to the chagrin of Eraste, marry Isabelle himself. Eraste and his cohorts must engage in a charades and take on false identities to ensure that Eraste gets both the girl and the money. I'm usually not a big fan of comedy, but this well executed production won me over because of its great acting, witty dialogue with an intricate rhyming structure, and its fine production values.--Jennifer Perry.