The Voyage of Mr. Perrichon
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| The Voyage of Mr. Perrichon | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Eugène Marin Labiche and Édouard Martin |
| Date premiered | September 10, 1860 |
| Original language | French |
Le Voyage de Monsieur Perrichon (French pronunciation: [lə vwajaʒ də məsjø peʁiʃɔ̃]) – variously translated from French as The Voyage of Mr. Perrichon, Mr. Perrichon's Journey, or Mr. Perrichon's Holiday – is a comic play in four acts, written by Eugène Marin Labiche and Édouard Martin.[1] It satirizes the bourgeoisie during the Second Empire of France, the country's relatively new railway system, and France's annexation of Nice and Savoie, both in 1860.[2]
It follows the exploits of Mr. Perrichon, a wealthy coachbuilder, who embarks on a family vacation to the Swiss Alps. Their trip is joined by two suitors, who challenge each other to win a marriage with Perrichon's daughter Henrietta. A series of falls into glacial ravines occur, including a rescue that leads to fame and esteem for Perrichon.[3] Meanwhile, Perrichon incurs the ire of the town's lovelorn mayor, and their conflict soon escalates into a ridiculous duel.[4]
The play was a "triumphant success" and led to Labiche being crowned "king of vaudeville."[2]
