Plot Summary
The action of this play revolves around plots--people
plotting for either love or money,or sometimes both. Because of this
it can seem complex, but hold on! The chief plotter is the stylish
fop, Sir John Roverhead (Kevin). He is poor, and plots with his mistress
Lady La Bassett (Serena) and their friend Trickwell (Sylvia), to marry
the silly window, Mrs. Rich (Janet), who, while rich, wants to have the
title of "Lady," and is willing to marry for it. Not one to stop
at a rich older widow, he also woos her niece, the young Lucinda (Felicity),
in case she has more money! Lucinda wishes to be free from the restraints
her society places upon her and views marriage as a quick way to freedom.
She is helped in this by her drunken old Governess (Vicky). Watch for the
surprising revelation about Sir John in the last act!
The long-suffering City businessman, Mr. Rich (Jason)
is constantly embarrassed by his silly sister-in-law's attempts to be "better
than the people of quality." Unfortunately, he must spend time with her
since she is the guardian of his daughter Lucinda's fortune! He tries
to keep things in line with the help of the loyal and witty servent, Betty
(Catherine).
In another plot, Mrs. Clerimont's cousin, the Young
Clerimont (Sean) has been accidentally disinherited by his father in favor
of his country bumpkin brother, the Elder Clerimont (Johnny). Because
of his poverty he cannot pursue the unknown woman he loves. She is
the young, rich widow, the Lady Landsworth (Diane), who wishes to marry
a man who knows nothing of her wealth. So she in turn disguises herself
as a kept woman and tries to tempt the noble Young Clerimont with promises
of riches. After much confusion these two lovers are helped by another
couple, Mrs. Clerimont (Sophia) and Young Clerimont's best friend, Belvoir
(Ken). Part of their plot includes getting the Young Clerimont his
share of his father's wealth by arranging a marriage between the Elder
Clerimont and the Widow Rich!
In the last act, all the plots and subplots are
straightened out with the help, and sometimes interference, of the loyal
servants Jack, Chris and Toby (Jessica, Agnes, Julia) and a friendly landlady,
Mrs. Fidget (Sunny). Sir John and his plotting mistress are put in
their place, Mrs. Rich learns her lesson, Lucinda is returned to her loving
father, and we are able to celebrate one almost happy and two happy weddings!
[Back
to mainpage]