The School for Husbands is a fascinating way to introduce Moliere to literature classes as well as being a superb contest play.

Ugly, stingy old Sganarelle wants to marry his ward, pretty young Isabelle. But she loves handsome Valere. So the young ones flirt behind the old one's back and make a fool of him. Sganarelle is an unpleasant old man who thinks parents and guardians should be stern, keeping young people locked up and closely guarded. His brother Ariste believes in giving young people freedom. As this capsule character sketch implies, Moliere's play might have been written in the twentieth century; but, as a matter of fact, it was first produced in 1661.

Sganarelle is so old that he wobbles. Nevertheless, he plans to marry his beautiful ward Isabelle, who is so young that she has never been kissed. Isabelle is horrified at the idea of being wedded to this repulsive creature. Her heart quivers for a handsome young fellow named Valere. But how do you let a man know you're interested in him when an old goat like Sganarelle keeps a suspicious eye on you every second? Isabelle may be young, but she's not dumb. The tricks she dreams up to get messages to Valere make one of the cleverest plots in theatre history. Only a master craftsman like Moliere could create as much fun as this play provides and still get across an important message.

The original five-act version of The School for Husbands was presented for the first time on June 24, 1661, in the Theatre du Palais-Royal in Paris, and the play was immediately successful. Critics praised its "comic vim" and its "charming style." This version is presented not to replace the original, but to give producers an opportunity to present the play in situations where the full version won't work—like one-act play contests, club meetings, assembly programs, and classroom presentation. This short version provides an introduction to the delights of Moliere's plays that will make its audiences eager for more of his works.

A Director's Script (prompt book) is available from the publisher of this play. It contains drawings of costumes and set, details on all technical aspects of staging, discussion of characterization, plot, and theme. It also suggests the complete blocking and full stage directions for all movement and business.

One act; Set, street area in 17th century France; Period costumes.

"The production was by-far the most rewarding of my three-year teaching-directing career. Your adaptations are delightful to stage."—Arlington, Texas. "School for Husbands won first place in District 13-AAAA. The valuable suggestions in your Director's Script were greatly appreciated."—Nederland, Texas.

Another Clark adaptation of Moliere: The Doctor in Spite of Himself

See also: The Love Knot (a modern play based on Moliere's style), The Medicine Man (an adaptation of Moliere's The Doctor in Spite of Himself)