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Constellation Theatre Company’s newest production may not have elephants or scantily clad trapeze artists, but it is a circus in its own right. Adapted by Tony winner and professional clown Bill Irwin from Molière’s Fourberies de Scapin (a must-see comedy if you lived in Paris in 1671), Scapin promises laughs without the smell of stale popcorn. In Constellation’s version, D.C.’s Michael Glenn plays the title character—a shrewd but somewhat hapless schemer determined to get the better of his stodgy employer. Along the way he gets caught up in one sword fight, two star-crossed love affairs, and countless increasingly ridiculous plots to save his own skin. The original Scapin character was inspired by the zanni characters of commedia dell’arte, so brace yourself for an evening of trickery. The play runs Jan. 16 to Feb. 16 at Constellation Theatre Company at Source, 1835 14th St. NW. $15–$45. (202) 204-7741. constellationtheatre.org.