Steppin' Out

Cover Story

Photograph by Kevin Berne

Leontine (Domenique Lozano, left) is won by the charming words of Princess Léonide (Stacy Ross), disguised as a handsome young man in 'The Triumph of Love.'

Winner Takes All?

A princess woos her prince and many others in 'Triumph'

By Heather Zimmerman

It's rare for a romantic comedy to suggest that not all players in the game of love will finish as winners, but then the 18th-century French romantic comedy The Triumph of Love tells an unusual story in the first place.

Pierre Carlet de Marivaux's 1732 play is being presented in a world-premiere adaptation by Lillian Groag, which opens the season at the San Jose Repertory Theatre, running through Oct. 21. The Rep is located at 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose.

The production is a collaboration with the California Shakespeare Theatre, where the play debuted in August. Groag also directs.

The Triumph of Love tells of Princess Léonide, who is not only determined to give up her stolen throne to its rightful heir, the Prince Agis, but also to win his heart. Getting near Agis, who has been raised to hate Léonide, is a challenge that requires her to don disguises of both genders and woo his guardians, a philosopher and his scientist sister. But Léonide may end up winning too many hearts on her quest for Agis' love.

Tickets are $30-$59. For more information, call 408.367.7255 or visit www.sjrep.com.