On Thursday, February 18, 2016, Chapman University’s Department of Theatre presents A Flea in Her Ear, David Ives’ new version of the famous farce by French playwright Georges Feydeau. Staged in Waltmar Theatre under the direction of Professor Tamiko Washington, the show continues February 19, 20 and 25-27.

The story begins in turn-of-the-century Paris with Raymonde Chandebise, a woman who is having doubts about her long-time husband Victor. In fact, she is convinced he is having an affair because his interest in sex has turned blasé. What she doesn’t know is that Victor is actually suffering from a nervous condition. And so begins a whirlwind of comic mishaps, wild misunderstandings, and hilarious exchanges at the Frisky Puss Hotel!

Immediately after the February 19 performance, a special symposium will be held to discuss the real-world Belle Époque Paris of 1871– 1914 and compare how it is depicted in the Frisky Puss Hotel during Act II. The free event will be led by dramaturgy advisor Dr. Jocelyn Buckner and dramaturgs Katie Dumas and Morgan Green (see their blog post Adapting comedy for a new era: Farce and Vaudeville in “A Flea in Her Ear”). In addition, cast members will speak briefly about the elements of Vaudevillian comedy and how this factored into the process of developing their characters and story line for the production.

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with an additional performance at 2:00 p.m. on February 27. Tickets are $20 general admission; $15 for senior citizens and non-Chapman students; and $10 for Chapman community. Visit chapman.edu/tickets, or call the College of Performing Arts box office hotline (714) 997-6624.