IRT artistic director Charlotte Moore directs the tale of Young Marlowe and Kate Hardcastle, a couple who have never met but whose parents have arranged for their marriage. Marlowe mistakes Kate for a barmaid and her father's house for an inn, and she takes advantage of the misunderstanding to break down his reserve.

The cast includes Remak Ramsay (as Mr. Hardcastle), Patricia O'Connell (as Mrs. Hardcastle), Tim Smallwood, Danielle Ferland (as Kate Hardcastle), Jennifer Bryan, Tommy Schrider, Donald Grody, Brian Hutchison (as Marlowe) and Lucas Caleb Rooney.

The Irish-born Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774) is the author of the novels "The Deserted Village" and "The Vicar of Wakefield" and the play The Good Natured Man. As a writer for the theatre, his robust comedies were considered ahead of their time — as were the works of his contemporary, Sheridan.

Moore recently directed Endgame and adapted/directed Finian's Rainbow . The latter was just nominated for the 2005 Lucille Lortel Award for Best Revival. The Irish Repertory Theatre was also named the recipient of the 2005 Lucille Lortel "Outstanding Body of Work" Award.

Scenic design is by James Morgan, costumes by Linda Fisher and lighting by Mary Jo Dondlinger. Performances of She Stoops to Conquer (continuing to June 26) are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 PM, with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 3 PM.

Tickets are $50 and $45 and can be purchased by calling (212) 727-2737 or visiting the box office of IRT, 132 W. 22nd St. between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. Visit www.irishrep.org.