NEW YORK—Never tell the truth when a lie can be more fanciful—a philosophy lived to the fullest by Dorante, a dashing young man in 1643 Paris, and the very endearing catalyst for David Ives’s delightful romp “The Liar,” at Classic Stage Company. Ives adapted his work from Pierre Corneille’s comedy “Le Menteur,” which is nearly unknown to English speakers.
Forsaking the legal profession for the life of a soldier, Dorante (Christian Conn) has come to Paris in search of adventure, opportunity, and a wife. He finds what he believes is the perfect mate in the beautiful Clarice (Ismenia Mendes).
The great joy of this show is the way Dorante effortlessly reels off one invented scenario after another.
