A Paradise of Fools at Detroit Repertory Theatre

A couple of con artists, Francesca and Bernardo, are down on their luck when they discover a dim-witted shoemaker, Calandino, received an inheritance. The swindlers move into action. Bernardo convinces Calandino that he doesn't look well and summons a renown doctor, Francesca in disguise, who determines the shoemaker is suffering from a condition usually reserved fo rwomen, namely he is pregnant. Calandrino begs to have his manhood restored. A request the doctor readily agrees to....for a fee.

But the raucous farce is just beginning as other swindlers jump into the fray. In the end, money changes hands, but it isn't clear who swindled whom. Only the audience knows for sure.