Before tabloids, before TMZ, there was the world of The School for Scandal. Stephen Colbert’s “truthiness” – not that it is true but that it seems true – rules 18th Century London. Old Sir Peter Teazle brings a much younger wife to the big city. Two brothers are put to the test to find out who is the rascal and who the hypocrite, one of whom wins a fortune.

Inside Edition. Fashionable London, 1775. The rich have nothing better to do than play “musical affairs” and wait to inherit. Sir Peter Teazle takes a much younger wife from the country, who immediately dives into Lady Sneerwell’s gossip salon where you don’t dare leave the room for fear of your reputation. Lady Teazle mistakes the “holier than thou” Joseph Surface’s attentions as being sincere, though in reality, he is out to snare the fortune of young Maria, who bears a silent love for Joseph’s wastrel brother, Charles. The boys’ wealthy uncle returns in disguise from India to decide on whom to bestow his fortune. There’s an auction of family heirlooms and much sneaking behind a screen, but the wit of the evening shines forth in Sheridan’s language and insight. Adapted to the modern ear, by Lance Davis.

Artistic Director Lance Davis said, “As an adaptor, I get to walk in the garden of Shakespeare, Molière, and in this case, Sheridan. His language is a challenge and a delight for both the actor and the audience. For a Sheridan line of dialogue you must speak in a sweep, with excellent breath, as if setting off on an unknown voyage of thought. It’s a dance. My job is to bridge that speech with today’s ear while staying true to its wit and elegance. It’s very funny.”

Parson’s Nose Theater performs at Lineage Performing Arts Center located at 89 South Fair Oaks, Pasadena, CA 91105.

Parson’s Nose Theater presents The School for Scandal as a part of their Readers’ Theater Series. Readers’ Theater Series productions are rehearsed staged readings, omitting props and set pieces, to carry the audience through story by means of language and acting. All performances are “Pay What You Will” and reservations may be made online at www.parsonsnose.com or by calling 626-403-7667. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Parson’s Nose Theater believes everyone should have the opportunity to hear to these wonderful works of literature, and takes pride that no one is ever turned away from a PNT show because they couldn’t afford a ticket.