The Gambling Lady (The Bassett Table)

What a hoot: This rarely-staged battle-of-the-sexes (written in 1705 by an uppity female playwright) is really good! Vivid characters include Lady Reveller (an all-night gambler who smiles as she beats the men at cards), the scientifically-inclined Valeria (dissecting critters so she can study their anatomy), and saber-waving Captain Firebrand (who overheats when Lady Reveller wins a big bet). Scheming, seduction and manipulation are much in evidence. This UC Davis production is brisk, colorful and funny.