Les Liaisons Dangereuses opens on April 15th at The Laboratory Theater of Florida.

FORT MYERS, FL (March 14, 2022) – Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton opens at The Laboratory Theater of Florida on April 15th and plays through May 7th.

Using sex as a weapon, this is a tale of seduction. Set among aristocrats before the French Revolution, the classic drama (adapted from the 18th-century novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos) explores decadent sexuality, morals, and manipulation as the ultimate game played – with tragic results. This play is sensual, with a biting wit and a healthy dose of lust, intrigue, and sexual gamesmanship that will keep you on your toes until the final scene.

Director Paul Graffy says, “What is most interesting to me about Les Liaisons Dangereuses is not what these characters do, but why they do it in the first place, and what the end results are. Madame Rosemonde so prophetically states near the end of Act One, ‘The only thing that might surprise one is how little the world changes.’ That line resonates very deeply with me. Cruelty to others as sport is not unique to this story or historical period. It is as prevalent today as it was dramatized over two centuries ago. Think cyberbullying, anonymous blogging, social media, etc. With the benefit of hindsight, it is easy to see that, as many societies evolve, the polarities between the haves and have-nots widen, and political revolutions arise. How many major revolutions have we witnessed
in just the past few years or are happening now? This production presents the artifice that defined late 18th-century France as we strive to expose what lies beneath that artifice. We also look to explore the timelessness of these abhorrent behaviors in an effort to recognize, albeit sadly, ‘How little the world changes.’”

“…Hampton’s play is sensual, oddly naughty and totally, impassively immoral.” – New York Post.

The cast features Sonya McCarter (Merteuil), Steven Coe (Valmont), Chloe Elliot-Chan (Tourvel), Cameron Rogers (Danceny), Daniel Sabiston (Azolon), Adrial McCloud (Cecile), Gerrie Benzing (Volanges), Amanda Collins (Emilie), Tracy Weaver (Rosemonde), Emarie Wakefield Spiller (ladies maid), and Mark King (Major Domo).

Costume design by Ariana Davis and Diana Waldier.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses is sponsored by Ella Nayor and Jeffrey Cull.

Notice: Due to mature themes and nudity, no one under 18 will be admitted.

DATES:
Performance dates are:
Apr. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 at 8 pm.
Apr. 17, 24 at 2 pm.
May 5, 6, 7, at 8 pm.
May 1 at 2 pm.
Apr. 13, 14 at 8 pm – half-price preview

Tickets are $30 each or $10 for students with valid student IDs.  There are two half-priced previews on April 13th and 14th, and there is a Thrifty Thursday special ticket price of $25 each for adults. If socially distant seating is required, please call the box office to arrange it. Masks are required to be worn when inside the theater. For tickets, guests may call the box office at 239.218.0481 or go online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com. 

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NOTES ON YOUR VISIT:
**** Masks are required on all patrons for their entire stay at the theater ****
There will be no refunds for patrons asked to leave for refusing to honor our mask requirement.
Photography and videography of this production are strictly prohibited.
Thank you for your cooperation and your support of The Laboratory Theater of Florida.
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ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida

A dangerous game of seduction among the aristocrats is underway at The Lab. Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) opens on April 15.