August 24, 1997|By J. Wynn Rousuck
The plot, based on a play by Marivaux: A princess in ancient Greece named Leonide falls in love with a young man named Agis. Unfortunately, Agis is heir to a kingdom that was usurped by Leonide's family. Not only that, but Agis has been raised by his philosopher uncle and aunt to favor reason over emotion. Disguised as a man, Leonide insinuates herself into Agis' house, hoping to win his heart.
Major cast members:
* F. Murray Abraham (Hermocrates, the philosopher uncle):
Academy Award-winner for his portrayal of Salieri in "Amadeus." Most recently starred as Roy Cohn in "Angels in America" on Broadway. Played title role in "Cyrano de Bergerac" at Center Stage in 1980. Last sang in a New York musical when he made his off-Broadway debut in "The Fantasticks" in 1966.
* Elayne Boosler (Corine, a wise-cracking servant):
Stand-up comedian making her Broadway theatrical debut. Played recurring roles on the TV shows "Night Court," "Sisters," "Living Single" and "The Cosby Show."
* Betty Buckley (Hesione, Hermocrates' philosopher sister):
Tony Award-winner for Grizabella in "Cats." Most recently starred as Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard" on Broadway and in London. Played stepmother Abby Bradford on the TV series "Eight is Enough," from 1977-1981.
* Susan Egan (Princess Leonide, the protagonist):
Tony nominee for her portrayal of Belle in "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway. Subsequently starred in "State Fair" on Broadway. Voice of Meg, the bad girl from Hades in Disney's animated feature "Hercules." Played Leonide at Center Stage.
* Christopher Sieber (Agis, the prince charming character):
Played young Marley on Broadway in "A Christmas Carol." Toured in "The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber" and "Meet Me in St. Louis." Played Agis at Center Stage.
Behind the scenes:
* Susan Birkenhead (lyricist):
Tony nominee for "Jelly's Last Jam" and "Working." Currently working on "Dr. Zhivago" with Arthur Kopit and Lucy Simon; has written additional lyrics for Broadway-bound revival of Cole Porter's "High Society," which opens in San Francisco in September.
* Margo Lion (principal producer):
Baltimore-born producer of "Jelly's Last Jam," "Angels in America," "Seven Guitars," "The Secret Garden" and "I Hate Hamlet." May also produce revival of "On the Town" (New York Shakespeare Festival's current Central Park production) on Broadway later this season. Center Stage's production of "Triumph of Love" was the first time she worked in her hometown.
* James Magruder (book writer):
Resident dramaturg at Center Stage, which produced his non-musical translation of "The Triumph of Love" in 1993 and the musical version last winter. His translations of "Triumph" and two other French period plays were published by Yale University Press last year. This is his Broadway debut.
* Michael Mayer (director):
Directed national tour of "Angels in America," which came to the Mechanic Theatre in 1995. Grew up in Maryland suburbs of Washington. Also directing a revival of Arthur Miller's "A View from the Bridge," which opens on Broadway in December. Several off-Broadway credits, but "Triumph" is his Broadway debut.
* Jeffrey Stock (composer):
Wrote music and libretto for "The Voice of Temperance," which received a workshop production at New York Shakespeare Festival. Composed commissioned works for the Edinburgh String Quartet and the New York Festival of Song. "Triumph" is his Broadway debut.
