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CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Corvallis Russian Troupe will perform the play, "Leading Ladies," on March 11 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12 at 4:30 p.m. in Oregon State University's Lab Theater (Withycombe Hall).

This is the 15th Russian-language play that Vreneli Farber, professor emeritus of Russian, has staged at OSU. Cast members are native speakers of Russian, students and staff at OSU.

"Leading Ladies" ("Primadonny" in Russian) was written by American playwright Ken Ludwig, author of "Lend Me a Tenor" and "Moon Over Buffalo." This farce, which has had great success in theaters around the world, has been described as a combination of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and Billy Wilder's classic film, "Some Like It Hot."

Set in 1958, "Leading Ladies" follows the adventures of Leo Clark and Jack Gable, two down-on-their-luck Shakespearean actors, performing "Scenes from Shakespeare" on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. When they read about a wealthy heiress, Florence Snider, who is about to die and leave her fortune to her two long-lost nieces, they decide to impersonate the two women. Their successful masquerade proves problematic when Leo falls in love with the vivacious Meg and Jack is smitten with the ditzy Audrey.

"Leading Ladies" is performed in Russian, but a summary in English is provided at the door. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors and free for children 12 and younger. This production is not recommendation for young children. Tickets are available at the door or may be reserved by contacting Svetlana Erofeeva at lana.erofeeva@gmail.com or Vreneli Farber, (541) 753-6829 and vreneli.farber@gmail.com