Upon a background of mistaken identity, Oliver Goldsmith built one of the favorite comedies of all time, and this 1-act adaptation retains the fun of the five-act original. Kate is an 18th century country girl who gets few chances to meet young men. So when one comes along, she isn't about to let him get away, even if she has to stoop to conquer. To fill this void, her father has invited young Marlow out for a visit. But Marlow has a strange quirk: he is so shy that he can't bear to look a young Lady in the eye--but with the serving girls...wow! To complicate the plot even further, Tony Lumpkin, a real rascal, tells Marlow that the Hardcastle house is an inn; and Marlow rudely rejects the friendly advances of Mr. Hardcastle, whom he believes to be an overbearing innkeeper. And finally, stooping to conquer, Kate pretends to be a bar-maid to win Marlow's attention.

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.

Set, a country mansion in England; Time, 18th century; period costumes.

Other Clark adaptations: As You Like It, The Barber of Seville, Cain: a Mystery, Cyrano de Bergerac, Doctor in Spite of Himself, Gondoliers, Importance of Being Earnest, Macbeth, The Marriage of Figaro, The Pot Boiler, School for Husbands