‘Triumph of Love’

'Triumph of Love' is said to be a phenomenal show portraying a comedic love story in MSU's renovated L. Howard Fox Theatre.

Mark Hardy and Gregory Dlugos have set high expectations for, ‘Triumph of Love’

The John J. Cali School of Music’s Theatre and Dance Series will be presenting a musical adaptation of Pierre de Marivaux’s comedy, The Triumph of Love. This play was first performed in Paris during the early 1700’s where it was viewed negatively for its seemingly inappropriate storyline. Nonetheless, it sparked again with popularity in the 1900’s after several musical and film adaptations.

The story centers on main character and princess, Léonide, who disguises herself as a male figure. She does so in hopes of finding Agis, son of the overthrown king, whom she has fallen in love with. When false accusations arise in her situation, she must find her way out and restore Agis’ power.

triumph of love
Photo courtesy of Rachel Hanrahan

Directed by Mark Hardy, with musical direction and conduction by Gregory Dlugos, you can expect a performance like no other! Hardy, an actor and singer himself, worked professionally both on and off Broadway, on national tours, in regional theatres and concerts prior to joining us at Montclair State University.  Dlugos, on the other hand, holds 30 years of experience on Broadway as the musical conductor, director and pianist for many productions.

“I hope that we present a polished, dynamic and spontaneous production as that feels like it’s on a professional level given that our cast is quite young,” said Hardy. “It’s our job to stir the audience and give them quite a ride – we hope to do that.”

“I expect that we will furnish the students, both the actors and the musicians, with a fruitful, challenging, satisfying, collaborative experience that will help to prepare them for a career as a professional in the industry, and to open them the possibility of pursuing a creative path to making a living,” said Dlugos. “The production should get better and better as we get more in tune with one another and together, learn about the inner workings of the piece.”

The Triumph of Love is expected to be a phenomenal show under the direction and conduction of Hardy and Dlugos along with the acting of the University’s theater and dance program. With cross dressing acts and scandalous behavior throughout the performance, it’s one you will not want to miss. Come out with the rest of the Montclair community to witness the stage come to life in this extraordinary performance!

This comedic love story will debut on Thursday, Dec.10 at 7:30 p.m. in the recently renovated L. Howard Fox Theatre located at Montclair State University right next to the brand new Center for Environmental and Life Sciences building. Other performances will be held on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets to the show are available at the Peak Performances website, peakperfs.org, where you can help Peak Performances in their efforts to go green by downloading the paperless program for the show! You may also purchase tickets at the Box Office located on the left side entrance of the Alexander Kasser Theater. Tickets will be $15 for the general public and free for all Montclair State University undergraduate students with an ID. Guest parking will be accessible in the Red Hawk Parking Deck also located at the left side of the Alexander Kasear Theater.

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