Susanne Centlivre's play "The Wonder," adapted for modern audiences by director Rebecca Patterson, has great bones. Classic beauties, like this play, have a universal appeal and Patterson brings it to a satiny sheen.

The cast of characters includes Virginia Baeta, Maryam Benganga, Julia Campanelli, Amy Driesler, Abbi Hawk, Natalie Lebert, Annie Paul, Jacquelyn Poplar and Valerie Redd, most of whom play a variety of roles. Virginia Baeta is Don Felix, our benighted lover whose valet, Lissardo-as in "lizard"-is played by Amy Driesler, whom many remember as Viola and Sebastian in Queen's Company's production of "Twelfth Night." Natalie Lebert, who was Feste in that same production, displays amazing versatility in the multiple character roles she takes on in this play, including especially the Portugese-esque-accented Alguazil and the butter-Scotch valet Gibby. Her performance is laugh-out-loud in so many places, to mention one or two would spoil it for you.
Classic tales of star-crossed lovers abound in literature, but this one has a political edge. Don Lopez (Julia Campanelli) is the father of Don Felix and Dona Isabella (Valerie Redd). Felix is having an intrigue with Dona Violante (Abbi Hawk), the daughter of Don Pedro. Felix's friend Frederick (Jacquelyn Poplar) is loyal and true, and could marry Felix's sister if only he were of noble blood, as he has been smitten with her for years. Confused yet? Moving on, Colonel Britton (Maryam Benganga) is an English officer looking for conquest among the women of Lisbon and ironically thinks he's got multiple intrigues going, not realizing it's all with the same woman who literally has dropped into his arms, escaping from a marriage arranged by her father.

Imagine a time, more than 200 years ago, when men regularly carried weapons, the haves had servants and the have-nots were plentiful. Women could not marry where they chose unless their fathers, brothers and all male relatives bore them some sense of love and respect-otherwise they were chattel. This puts the current marriage equality battle into a different perspective. This play was extremely popular from the time it was written in 1714 until about the time the reign of Queen Victoria began, and you owe it to yourself to see why.

The play is over much too soon and Patterson's signature is apparent. Touches like the costumed, yet barefoot cast, all female, clashes of culture, which include period music and much more recent, anachronistic selections, and a pervasive sense of humor. ABBA in instrumental muzak-esque format, including "Mamma Mia," underline the fun and when Isabella meets her intended-to-be, her disguise is a veil and movie star sunglasses, á la "La Dolce Vita." When Violante wants to give a message on Isabella's behalf, we find that, clearly, men don't really look at women in that time, as her similar disguise has Colonel Britton believing it's the same Dona. Oy!

Spare sets by Kip Marsh, costumes by Jeanette Aultz Look, lighting by Miriam Crowe, sound by Jane Shaw and fight choreography by Jill Ahrold, all contribute in quietly powerful ways. The play is truly the thing, with these features adding grace notes to the stellar performances.

A standout, in addition to Natalie Lebert, is Abbi Hawk, whose expressions move across her face like clouds across the sea-darkening and lightening as they must. Annie Paul, as Violante's maid, Flora, is delightful throughout and most especially when Lissardo's come-uppance comes up. The passion and playfulness that Paul provides is priceless.

Kudos to Rebecca Patterson for bringing to modern light the truth that reigns through art and literature that is both of the time and ahead. The Kirk Theatre is conveniently located at 410 West 42nd Street, so make your reservations now. And may the Farce be with you!

Performances are Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through March 14, with an additional matinee on March 13 at 2 p.m. A post-show discussion with Patterson and the cast will take place on March 7. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online at www.TicketCentral.com or by calling 212/279-4200. Running time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission. Nearby trains are the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, N, Q, R, S, and W to 42 Street. For more info on the company visit www.QueensCompany.org.