Arms and the Man

The deliriously romantic Raina thrills to the sights, sounds, and grandeur of war. Then one night a battle-stained soldier drops into her bedroom, holds her at gunpoint, and asks for a piece of chocolate. Arms and the Man, Bernard Shaw’s delicious send-up of the romantic view of war, has enjoyed continuous popularity since its premiere in 1894, surprising the playwright himself. After the opening performance, Shaw took the stage to tumultuous applause – and boos from one noisy dissenter. Shaw called out cheerfully, “My friend, I agree with you completely. But who are you and I against so many?” As young Raina opens her eyes to the truths of war and courage, we are one with audiences who, for more than a century, have been amused and touched by her struggle to choose the right world view – and the man – for her.

Arms and the Man is being performed in rotating repertory with School for Wives.