Music/Theater

PSHAW, PSHAW, THIS IS ALL BUT THE WHINING END OF A MODERN NOVEL: Thus ends the Oliver Goldsmith play “She Stoops to Conquer.” Shown here in a scene from the play are Kristine Nielsen (left center) as Mrs. Hardcastle with Brooks Ashmanskas (center background) as Tony Lumpkin, and Rebecca Brooksher (right background) as Constance Neville.

Mistaken Identities, Romantic Passions, and Gentle Satire Highlight Goldsmith’s “She Stoops to Conquer” at McCarter

Donald Gilpin

Except for Moliere’s brilliant comedies (1660-1673), the 250-year period from the time of Shakespeare in the early 1600s to the time of Henrik Ibsen and George Bernard Shaw in the late 1800s is seldom represented on the contemporary stage. Oliver Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer, first performed in 1773 at Covent Garden, is a notable exception. Goldsmith’s masterpiece of “laughing comedy” nonetheless has prevailed through the centuries and promises a lively evening’s entertainment in its current lavish production at McCarter’s Matthews Theatre.

(R)evolutions: Musical Change, Evolution in Opening Princeton Singers Concert

Nancy Plum

The Princeton Singers presented its first local concert of the 2009-2010 season on Friday night at Trinity Church in Princeton. Subtitled “(R)evolutions,” this program of eleven choral pieces sung by the 17-voice professional ensemble focused on works representing musical change and how music evolved to that point.