The first student-led production of California State University, Stanislaus Theatre Department’s 2013-14 season is opening this weekend with performances of “Scapin.”

“Scapin,” written by Molière, is a reversal-of-fortune farce that sees the wily and witty servant Scapin helping young lovers out of a jam and revenging his master. He manages to do all his escapades while staying one step ahead of trouble.

The play is directed by Caroline Mercier, who said she was lured to the Moliere classic by the physical comedy of it and the theatrics.

“It was a combination of physical theatre, as I have 16 years of ballet, mask work, as I'm now costume and makeup designer, and because I'm a francophone myself,” Mercier said. “I grew up with Moliere like you did with Shakespeare. It was a real treat to be able to adapt and translate a theatrical icon.”

The play finds two young men from two respectable houses trying to hide secrets from their families. In the play, Octave has secretly married Hyacinthe. The second young man, Leandre, has secretly fallen in love with Zerbinette. Trouble really starts to brew when the two respective fathers return home with marriage plans for their sons.

The young couples turn to the servant Scapin for help. Scapin agrees to help them, and in doing so, plans to further his own interests.

“It's a timeless story of love and parents/ kids relationships,” Mercier said. “It’s more about laughing, jokes and having a good time with the funny characters than anything else.”

Shows are set for 8 p.m. tonight, Saturday, Oct. 10, 11, and 12 and 2 p.m. Sunday and Oct. 13. All performances are in the Studio Theatre at the university. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 students, seniors and CSU faculty/staff and are available online at www.csustan.edu/soa/theatretickets.html. Parking is free for this event in Lot #2. Maps and directions are available at www.csustan.edu/maps.