TRIUMPH OF LOVE Musical comedy in 2 acts. Book by James Magruder. Music by Jeffrey Stock. Lyrics by Susan Birkenhead. Based on the play by Mirivaux. Royale Theatre, New York - 23 October, 1997 (84 perfs) Based on an 18th Century comedy by Pierre Marivaux about the trials and tribulations of a young Princess as she attempts to win the love of an exiled Prince. Triumph of Love is a perfect combination of delightful music and lyrics and a charming, often hilarious book. Equally at home in an intimate setting or large auditorium, this show combines hip fairy-tale story telling with broad comedy and moments of tender poignancy. CAST: 4 Men, 3 Women Agis - a student of reason Hesione - his aunt Dimas - the gardener Harlequin - the valet Hermocrates - a philosopher, brother to Hesione Princess Léonide Corine - her maid servant STORY ACT ONE In an elaborate 18th Century Greco-French topiary labyrinth of Sparta, we find Hesione, a stern philosopher, and her beautiful young nephew, Agis. She is pining for the day when Agis will kill the wicked Princess Leonide, who stole their kingdom. Her valet Harlequin and gardener Dimas arrive to report that Hermocrates, Hesione’s brother and - perhaps - Sparta’s most diligent philosopher, is planning Agis’ trip to kill Leonide. Harlequin and Dimas are overjoyed at the prospect of the trip to get away from their overly sedate masters. Hermocrates enters and they all praise the impending death of Leonide, the devil’s spawn. As they exit, a beautiful young woman enters unseen by them: it is Princess Leonide, followed by her wisecracking maid, Corine. The Princess has a heroic crush on Agis, not knowing that his sole mission in life is to kill her. She is on a mission of love. In short, she wants her man and she will do anything for love. Knowing that women—other than Hesione—are strictly forbidden in the garden, both Leonide and Corine dress as men, Phocion and Troy. As they practise their manly poises, Harlequin arrives and introduces himself as the Harlequin, “Classic Clown.” Harlequin immediately discovers that they are women. The Princess explains that she wants to woo Agis and, he, struck by her sincerity, agrees to help. Dimas arrives, singing of a gardener’s life. As they meet, Agis enters and is immediately impressed with ‘Phocion’s’ noble and refined visage. As they exit, Corine and Harlequin are even more abruptly affected by each other. Agis and the disguised Princess vow to be faithful friends. She immediately implores him to arrange a meeting for her with his uncle, Hermocrates. He agrees and, moved by their friendship, he reveals what he has never told another soul: he is the true Prince of Sparta. This is all news to her. He explains the whole story: his parents killed and the kingdom lost. He asks her to renounce all passion and to be guided solely by logic. She must also swear to kill Leonide! She agrees. Scene from Broadway productionCorine and Harlequin enter decrying the vicissitudes of love and Corine
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