The Lake Dillon Theatre Company presents Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell’s adaption of Moliere’s “Scapin,” the first Moliere classic that the theater company has produced in its 19-year history.

“Moliere is the master of farce,” said Chris Alleman, Lake Dillon Theatre Company producing artistic director. “There are plenty of reasons why audiences have loved and laughed at his plays for 350 years. Moliere’s plays are riotous and relevant, even for today’s audiences. And (Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell’s) adaption is both contemporary and hilarious, complete with singing, dancing and a whole lot more.”

Alleman said historically, the theater company has always done musicals during the summer season.

“This year, we wanted to kind of step outside that circle and produce a nonmusical play, although this show does have a lot of music in it, a lot of stuff that’s been composed specifically for it, and a lot of references to it,” he said. “What’s great about this is that it’s a Moliere piece, so it’s steeped in that tradition of a French farce, but it’s so modernized with this adaptation. There are references from Summit County to Brittney Spears, so it’s very topical in its presentation.”

“Scapin” explores the outrageously ridiculous rules of young love. When the passionate, but dimwitted, Octave and Leander each fall hopelessly in love with foreign women against their fathers’ will, the meddlesome servant Scapin, with help from the deviously delightful Sylvestre, offers to help them win their fathers’ goodwill and their ladies’ hearts.

Mischief, mayhem and mixed identities ensue, as “Scapin” weaves a cleverly chaotic tale of kidnapping, foreign invasions, thievery and, inevitably, matrimony.

“I think this fits into our goals and objectives to provide enriching experiences for everyone,” Alleman said. “This is one of those family comedies that everyone is going to enjoy. We don’t think it’s taking a risk by not doing a musical; we just thought it would be wonderful to try something different. It’s not like it’s a thought-provoking, existential piece; it’s a comedy through and through. Audiences are going to love this show.”

Former Lake Dillon Theatre Company artists Frank Sansone, Brittany Jeffery, Ashley Alana Kenney, Kevin Alan, Bob Moore and Ben Whitmore return for this production of “Scapin” in the roles of Octave, Nerine, Zerbinette, Scapin, Argante and Sylvestre, respectively. The cast is completed by Kevin Hart as Geronte, Alex Kidder as Hyacinth, Zachary Conner as Leander, Jonathan Cable as George and Jimmy Patalan and Danny Daigle as ensemble.

“Scapin” is directed by Wendy Moore and has scenic and lighting design by Nick Kargel, costume design by Nikki Harrison, sound design by Isaac Mandel and stage management by Emily Rolston. Producing partners of “Scapin” include Cornerstone Real Estate LLC, La Francais French Bakery and New Moon Cafe. The Lake Dillon Theatre Company season sponsors include the town of Dillon, the Summit Foundation, the Summit Daily News and Colorado Creative Industries.