Alexander J Papponi and Sarah Kesselring Photo by Emily Gelhar

She Stoops to Conquer, by Oliver Goldsmith, premiered in 1773. It is a comedy of manners and a satire on the disingenuous and hypocritical behavior of people in polite society. It is a laughing comedy with vestiges of romantic comedy. The play is written in five acts with eleven scenes and typically runs for approximately three hours. This was fairly standard for the 18th century but is challenging for today's audiences. It is an important play in English drama and has been produced on the stage, in movies, and on television.

There is a lot of dialogue in this play, and the language is rapid, witty, lively, and full of social commentary. Some of the actors can handle the language, but others have trouble. There are mixed accents and some of the actors lack projection and enunciation. In short, it is difficult to follow what is being said. Director Brent Whitted has chosen to add a great deal of physical comedy and slapstick. Out of context, these antics are superfluous. It would have been better to make sure that all the words could be heard.

Where the set is clever and lovingly reflects the time frame of the play, it is not in service of the actors. The far upstage area is acoustically a black hole, and there are no levels to break the static blocking. Costumes are a mix of periods, tailoring, and maintenance. The gentlemen often have ill-fitting costumes. The outrageousness of Mrs. Hardcastle's many dresses is over the top and distracting. More care and judicious selection is called for. And the wigs–enough said.

There are some outstandingly good things in this production. Sarah Kesselring and Alexander J. Papponi are believable as the principal set of lovers. Their diction is impeccable and their characterizations impressive. Emmalee Dorsey in several roles stands out and holds the play together in an interesting way. Noel Green delivers a solid Mr. Hardcastle.

The director envisions the play to be interactive and toward that end, the house lights are left on throughout the play and the actors occasionally exit or enter through the house. There is also one instance of inviting an audience member on stage. These actions are perfunctory and do not make the play interactive. Interactivity seems an odd aesthetic choice for this 18th century play.

Albuquerque Little Theatre is a cultural treasure for Albuquerque and all of New Mexico. Community support and careful long-term planning will ensure its future.

She Stoops to Conquer runs through November 23, 2025, at Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale SW, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2:00 pm, Saturday Matinee November 15 at 2:00 pm, and Thursday evening, November 20 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $32 to $38, including fees. Discount for Active Military. For tickets and information, please visit AlbuquerqueLittleTheatre.org/ or call 505-242-4750.

Directed by Bret Whitted. Set Designer: Lauren Dusek Albonico. Lighting Designer; RayRey Griego. Props Designer: Nina Dorrance. Sound Designer: Lando Ruiz. Costume Designer: Kim Love.

Cast: Sarah Kesselring, Alexander J. Papponi, Noel Green, Anne Portman, Scottlyn Green, Malcolm Ehlers, Gillian Hughes-Fenchel, Ronin Stewart, Emmalee Dorsey, Daniel Molina, Luna the dog.