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Overview

Synopsis

Valentine, Sir Sampson's dissolute eldest son, finds himself in a tricky situation. He has fallen under the displeasure of his father through his extravagance, and is chased by creditors day and night. His father offers him enough to pay his debts if he will waiver his inheritance and sign it over to his younger brother Ben. Sir Sampson has arranged a match between Ben, who is at sea, and Miss Prue, an awkward country heiress. Seizing the chance to escape his debts, Valentine signs the bond. However, the situation gets more complex when Valentine realizes that his action may have scuppered his chances with Angelica, the wealthy young lady he is in love with. Realizing that the deal makes him financially ruined, he tries and fails to get his father to give up on the scheme. Then, out of desperation, he pretends to be mad and unable to sign the final deed. When this still does not work, his beloved Angelica intervenes. She encourages Sir Sampson to propose marriage to her so that she can get her hands on Valentine's bond. Unaware of her plans, Valentine truly believes that she is ready to marry his own father and finally agrees to sign the final paperwork. However, before he does, Angelica reveals the plot, destroys the bond, and declares her love for Valentine.

Love for Love is a madcap Restoration romp filled to the brim with lust, family quarrels, foolish disguises, and true love, which, of course, wins out at the end.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
5
First Produced
1695
Genres
Comedy, Farce
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
London, Seventeenth Century
Cast Size
large
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Adult, Young Adult, Late Teen Characters, Large Cast

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Sir Sampson Legend

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Valentine

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Angelica

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Scandal

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Tattle

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Ben

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Foresight

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Mrs Foresight

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Mrs Frail

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Miss Prue

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Jeremy

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Trapland

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Buckram

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Nurse

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Jenny

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher