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The Matchmaker: A Farce in Four Acts

The Matchmaker: A Farce in Four Acts

Current price: $18.99
Publish Date:
Publisher:
Harper Perennial Modern Classics
ISBN:
9780062693495
Pages:
208
Language:
English
Usually Ships in 1 to 5 Days

Description

“Loud, slap dash and uproarious...extraordinarily original and funny."—New York Times

Now, for the first time in a standalone edition, Thornton Wilder's brilliant, hilarious play which was adapted into the hit Broadway musical Hello, Dolly with an afterword by Wilder's nephew, Tappan Wilder.

Horace Vandergelder, a wealthy old merchant residing in Yonkers has decided it’s time to take a wife and hires a matchmaker. But Dolly Gallagher Levi is no ordinary matchmaker. She’s a force of nature, with a plan of her own. Levi soon becomes involved in the affairs of the hearts of all those around her—including Vandergelder’s niece, his store clerks, assorted young and lovely ladies, and the headwaiter at an expensive restaurant, where this swift farce inevitably runs headlong into hilarious complications. Indeed, after a series of slapstick situations involving mistaken identities, a secret rendezvous behind carefully placed screens, separated lovers, and a trip to night court—everyone involved eventually finds themselves paired with a perfect match.

A delightful, deliciously funny classic by Thornton Wilder, The Matchmaker is astonishingly modern and is sure to resonate with audiences and readers today.

About the Author

THORNTON WILDER (1897–1975) is the only writer to win Pulitzer Prizes for both drama (Our Town and The Skin of Our Teeth) and fiction (The Bridge of San Luis Rey). He collaborated with Alfred Hitchcock on Shadow of a Doubt, hiked the Alps with the heavyweight boxing champion Gene Tunney, received a Bronze Star for his service in World War II, and was credited with discovering Orson Welles. He was also a much-loved teacher, letter-writer (especially with Gertrude Stein), and public speaker—in four languages. Hello, Dolly! is based on his play The Matchmaker. Learn more about his extraordinary life and work at thorntonwilder.com.

Praise for The Matchmaker: A Farce in Four Acts

“Brilliant, sage, and witty.” - New York Daily News