Lynne Friedmann

A pair of entitled young men lose their hearts to penniless maidens. Bliss is interrupted when their domineering fathers return from extended travel and announce arranged marriages are in place for each of the beaus. If the financially dependent sons stand up to their patriarchs, they are certain to be disinherited. How can the lovers possibly get out of this pickle? Through farce, of course, in a masterful adaptation of the 17th century theatrical classic “Scapin” by Molière.

In 1927 Napa Valley, a smitten man woos a young woman he knows only through letters and postcards. She agrees to marriage not realizing that the face in the photo sent by her suitor is that of a different man. Can the two get past deception, achieve forgiveness and embrace love? The answer lies in the musical “The Most Happy Fella,” at North Coast Repertory Theater.

Sarah is a young Jewish woman in love with the perfect Jewish boyfriend. Her parents are delighted with the news and can’t wait to meet him. The problem is Mr. Wonderful doesn’t exist. Sarah invented him and hires an actor to pretend he is her beloved; this in an effort to halt her mother’s relentless efforts to introduce her to eligible men. By the way, Sarah actually does have a boyfriend, but he isn’t Jewish.