The Government Inspector

"The Inspector General" and "The Marriage" are two wonderful satirical comedies by Gogol, two masterpieces of classic Russian comedy that have been performed on our country's finest stages for almost a century and a half and have been adapted for the screen numerous times. What makes these works relevant? Is it that the character types so brilliantly described by Gogol—corrupt, indolent officials, provincial nouveau riche and their daughters absurdly aspiring to metropolitan chic, spineless grooms who are in no way ready to give up their bachelor lifestyle, and bold, pushy matchmakers—still frequently cross our paths today? The collection also includes "The Gamblers," "The Morning of a Businessman," "The Quarrel," and other plays.