ENTER THE GUARDSMAN is a dazzling musical adaptation of Ferenc Molnar's 1910 boulevard comedy THE GUARDSMAN. It received the 1994 Bernice Cohen Award for Outstanding Presentation (A.S.C.A.P. Workshops), won first prize in the 1996 International Musical of the Year Competition in Denmark, received a 1997 Olivier Award nomination for Best Musical and was named 1999's Best Musical of the season by the Newark Star-Ledger.

The actor and actress have been married only six months yet their romantic passion has begun to fade. When he sends a rose to her dressing room anonymously and she doesn't respond, he sends another, and then a dozen, eventually inundating her with hundreds of roses. With still no acknowledgement from his wife, the actor suspects her of having a secret admirer whom she must assume is sending the flowers. Increasingly enraged, his jealousy mounting, the actor resolves to challenge the fidelity of his wife by romancing her in the guise of an ardent guardsman, and in the process presents one of his greatest performances. His worst fears are confirmed when, on the empty stage following a performance, she surrenders to the seductive charms of the swaggering officer. Her betrayal leaves the actor inconsolable, but is it possible to be betrayed by one's own self? Surely the actress knew from the start that it was her husband behind the Ruritanian uniform. Or did she? Here art imitates life imitating art, and following the psychological twists and turns is just part of this musical's enchantment. Also featured in this backstage romp are the Playwright (who is devising the very play we are watching), the Dresser, Wardrobe Mistress, Wigs Master and Assistant Stage Manager who gossip and speculate while attending to the central couple, variously cajoling, encouraging and mollifying with astute musical observations. By turns sweetly poignant and wildly hilarious, ENTER THE GUARDSMAN is a confection of a chamber musical that has captivated audiences and critics alike. NEXT SHOW