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2nd Story Theatre Brings A Double Dose of Laughter to Bristol 11/18-12/18

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2nd Story Theatre brings a double dose of laughter to the Bristol Statehouse, 240 High Street, Bristol, RI with two French comedies: The Suitors by Jean Racine (translated into rhyming verse by Richard Wilbur), and Molière's A Doctor In Spite of Himself.

The Suitors is a riotous rhyming verse romp that provides ample opportunity for disorder in the court, hazing both the legal profession and the lawsuit-happy litigants who keep the judges well bribed, the lawyers well heeled, and the audience in stitches. Artistic Director Ed Shea says, "I've always said that plays in rhyming verse are Dr. Seuss for adults, and The Suitors is no exception.

Laughter is indeed the best medicine in Molière's A Doctor in Spite of Himself, where a simple marital squabble escalates into comic pandemonium and gives a whole new meaning to "playing doctor".

Director Shea calls the double bill "a perfect back-to-back pairing of French masters", adding that the historic Bristol Statehouse is "an ideal backdrop for what promises to be a joyous celebration."

The Suitors by Jean Racine, translated into rhyming verse by Richard Wilbur

Synopsis: A riotous rhyming verse romp that provides ample opportunity for disorder in the court, hazing both the legal profession and the lawsuit-happy litigants who keep the judges well bribed, the lawyers well heeled, and the audience in stitches.

A Doctor In Spite of Himself by Molière
Synopsis: "Playing Doctor" takes on a whole new meaning as the spirited Martine exacts revenge on her scoundrel of a husband by convincing the town that he is the best doctor around, and a simple marital squabble escalates into comic pandemonium.

November 18 - December 18

Previews: Friday Nov. 18 at 8PM and Sunday Nov. 20 at 3PM
Preview Ticket Price: $15

Regular Performances: Nov. 25 - Dec. 18
Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm and 7pm
Ticket Price: $25
Under 21: $20

Where:
Bristol Statehouse
240 High Street, Bristol, RI 02809

Presented by:
2nd Story Theatre
www.2ndstorytheatre.com

Box Office:
2nd Story Theatre
401-247-4200
boxoffice@2ndstorytheatre.com

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Direction of a Play - Top 3
1. Duncan MacMillan, Jeremy Herrin - Every Brilliant Thing
18.5% of votes
2. Joe Mantello - Death of a Salesman
18.3% of votes
3. Whitney White - Liberation
10.5% of votes

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