Emperor of the Moon by Aphra Behn is a delightful and comedic play that explores themes of love, power, and deception. Set in a universe where the moon is inhabited by a civilization ruled by an emperor, the story follows the emperor's daughter who falls in love with a man from Earth. The play is filled with witty dialogue, hilarious misunderstandings, and absurd situations that keep the audience entertained from start to finish.

Behn's characters are richly drawn and each brings a unique perspective to the story. The emperor is pompous and self-absorbed, while his daughter is a romantic dreamer who longs for adventure. The man from Earth is a charming and cunning rogue who adds a layer of suspense to the plot. The interactions between the characters are filled with clever wordplay and comical misunderstandings that keep the story moving at a brisk pace.

One of the highlights of Emperor of the Moon is Behn's use of language. Her dialogue is sharp and witty, filled with clever puns and double entendres that add depth to the characters and propel the plot forward. The play is a delightful mix of comedy, romance, and intrigue that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

Overall, Emperor of the Moon is a fun and entertaining play that showcases Behn's talent as a playwright. It is a delightful romp filled with humor, wit, and charm that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

Book Description:
A Restoration farce by a successful woman playwright. "Doctor Baliardo, a Neapolitan philosopher, has so applied himself to the study of the Moon, and is enraptured to such an extent with the mysteries of that orb, that he has come steadfastly to believe in a lunar world, peopled, ruled and regulated like the earth. This wholly fills and absorbs his every waking thought, and, in consequence, he denies his daughter Elaria and his niece Bellemante to their respective lovers, the Viceroy’s two nephews, Don Cinthio and Don Charmante, as being men of mere terrestial mould." - Summary by Montague Summers, 1915 Cast list: Doctor Baliardo: Adrian Stephens Scaramouch, his Man: Anna Maria Pedro, his Boy: Mira Williams Don Cinthio, Nephew to the Vice-Roy, and Lover of Elaria: Greg Giordano Don Charmante, Nephew to the Vice-Roy, and Lover of Bellemante: Tchaikovsky Harlequin, Cinthio’s Man: Alan Mapstone Officer: Sonia Clerk: Susan Essary Stentor: James R. Hedrick Elaria, Daughter to the Doctor: Annie Mars Bellemante, Niece to the Doctor: Marya James Florinda, Cousin to Elaria and Bellemante: Jenn Broda Mopsophil, Governante to the young Ladies: WendyKatzHiller Keplair, Philosopher: DeborahJoye Galileus, Philosopher: David Purdy Zodiack Chorus: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: ToddHW Editing: ToddHW