Overview
Synopsis
Jeffrey Hatcher’s What Corbin Knew is set in the luxury skybox of architect Richard Corbin, who brings together two contrasting couples—an affluent suburban husband and wife alongside a more bohemian, free-spirited pair—for what at first appears to be a sophisticated evening of socializing. Beneath the polite chatter, however, tensions rooted in class differences, clashing values, and sharply opposed personalities steadily rise until civility collapses and the night takes a startling turn involving betrayal and an unexpected death. In the second act, the same evening is replayed, but this time from the vantage point of what unfolded while Corbin himself was absent, exposing concealed motives, secret interactions, and surprising revelations that transform the audience’s understanding. What seemed initially like a straightforward comedy of manners evolves into a darker, more complex exploration of perception, hidden truths, and the consequences of knowing—or not knowing—the whole story.
Show Information
Characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in What Corbin Knew.
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Key Terms
A Comedy of Manners is a dramatic genre that satirizes the customs, behaviors, and social norms of a particular class or group, often through witty dialogue and clever banter. It typically focuses on relationships, courtship, and social pretensions, exposing human vanity and hypocrisy. This style thrives on sharp humor and quick repartee, making it both entertaining and socially revealing.
The central struggle between opposing forces in a play, driving tension and character development.
A genre that combines elements of humor and morbidity, exploring serious themes through satire or irony.
Occurs when the audience knows more than the characters on stage, creating tension, humor, or poignancy.
Farce is a comedic style that emphasizes exaggerated situations, improbable coincidences, mistaken identities, and rapid pacing. It often includes physical humor such as slamming doors, frantic chases, or characters hiding in plain sight. Farce is designed to generate nonstop laughter, often prioritizing chaos and absurdity over realistic storytelling.
Satire is a dramatic style that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize human behavior, social institutions, or political systems. In theatre, it highlights flaws and hypocrisies through wit and parody, encouraging audiences to laugh while also reflecting on serious issues. Satire can range from lighthearted comedy to biting social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.