Arms and The Man

University of Colorado’s Department of Theatre and Dance produces George Bernard Shaw’s classic satire Arms and The Man. During the height of war, Raina — the only daughter of Bulgaria’s most aristocratic family — gives refuge to Bluntschli, a mysterious mercenary who appears in the night. Before sending him on his way, Raina supplies him with chocolate creams, sparkling conversation and her father’s coat. Months later, after peace has been declared, Bluntschli comes back to return the coat. The problem: Raina’s fiancé, a blowhard Bulgarian officer who has already met Bluntschli in battle, has also come home from the war. Before the two men square off in a duel, Raina must choose between the fantasy of her mock-heroic fiancé and the genial but clear-eyed mercenary she calls her “chocolate cream soldier.”