Photo Flash: THE HEIR APPARENT at Stage West

Stage West presents the regional premiere of David Ives' adaptation of The Heir Apparent. Check out photos from the show below!

Love may indeed make the world go round, but money can certainly come in handy along the way. And sometimes some hilarious maneuverings are required to get it, as in David Ives' adaptation of Jean Francois Regnard's screwball classic The Heir Apparent, a co-production with Theatre TCU, which begins its 5-week regional premiere at Stage West on Thursday, November 12.

Eraste and Isabelle are very much in love and wish to marry. But her mother, Madame Argante, insists that her daughter marry a rich man. No problem, as Eraste is expecting to inherit a fortune from his elderly and ailing uncle, Geronte. Unfortunately...Geronte suddenly decides he wants to marry Isabelle himself, and leave his fortune to her. Disaster. But the lovers are undaunted, and they, along with Eraste's wily valet Crispin and Geronte's clever servant Lisette (who are also in love), launch an escalating rollercoaster of schemes involving multiple deceptions and wild impersonations in order to keep Isabelle single and get Geronte's will signed and executed. It's one crazy evening of rollicking fun in the tradition of great French farce, all written in rhymed couplets.

The Heir Apparent is being directed by Krista Scott, associate professor of theatre at TCU. The exciting cast features Stage West's Jim Covault, most recently seen as Mark Rothko in Red, as Geronte, with Jesse Elgene, seen as Lt. Brannigan in the TCU production of Guys and Dolls, as nephew Eraste. Lucy Given, who appeared as Mrs. Fallon in TCU's Spreading the News, will play the winsome Isabelle, with Judy Keith, whose many Stage West appearances include Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit, as the imperious Madame Argante. Jeff Wittekiend, who played Nick in Stage West's Bedroom Farce, will play the clever Crispin, with Taylor Whitworth, seen as Nora in TCU's production of Brighton Beach Memoirs, will play his love, Lisette. And Randy Pearlman, most recently seen as Bilbo/Boromir/Balrog in Circle Theatre's Fellowship!, will play the tiny lawyer Scruple.

The Heir Apparent will preview Thursday, November 12 at 7:30 and Friday, November 13 at 8:00, and will run through Sunday, December 13. NOTE: there will be no performance on Thanksgiving. Performance times will be Thursday evenings at 7:30, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00, with Sunday matinees at 3:00. The opening night reception will be Saturday, November 14. Ticket prices range from $31 to $35, with discounts for the preview performance, and for students, seniors, and military. Food service is available 90 minutes prior to performances (reservations are necessary), and the Friday Prix Fixe special (dinner and show for $45) will be available beginning November 20. Reservations and information are available through the Box Office (817-784-9378), or on the website, www.stagewest.org.

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