The Old Debauchees. A Comedy

Set in a lively 18th‑century drawing‑room, this sparkling comedy opens with a tongue‑in‑cheek prologue that lampoons the very tradition of theatrical introductions. The stage quickly fills with a quick‑witted trio of women—Isabel, a flirtatious spirit, and Beatrice, her more contemplative friend—who debate the merits of convent life versus the pleasures of the world. Their banter is peppered with clever references to music, cards, and the irresistible allure of a handsome suitor, establishing a lively tone that invites listeners to savor the era’s riotous social satire.

Enter Old Laroon, a self‑styled veteran of debauchery who boasts of his youthful exploits while eyeing the unsuspecting Jourdain. His blustering stories about past conquests and his unabashed admiration for the very priests he pretends to despise set up a series of farcical misunderstandings that drive the action forward. With rapid‑fire repartee and a cast of colorful characters, the first act promises a delightful blend of wit, romance, and good‑natured mockery of pretensions.