Wit and warmth are brought to life in Oliver Goldsmith's 18th-century comedy, "She Stoops to Conquer," presented by Deep Dish Theater Company Oct. 26-Nov. 17.

Directed by Tony Lea, this chuckler continues the company's 12th season at University Mall.

A tongue-tied wreck with the ladies, young Mr. Marlow believes he can only talk to those beneath him, not a woman such as Kate Hardcastle, whom he is expected to wed. So, when Tony, Kate's mischievous brother, leads him to an inn that appears to be run by buffoons and harboring the barmaid of his dreams - an inn that is in fact the Hardcastle estate - Marlow finds himself in the middle of class warfare of the most hilarious kind.

"I love the story," says Lea. "As with all comedies, the truth lies in the degree to which we can recognize ourselves in the characters. And 'She Stoops to Conquer' has beautifully drawn characters, exaggerated but recognizably human."

This Deep Dish production's talented cast includes Brett Bolton, Steve Dobbins, Marcia Edmundson, Brian Fisher, Marilyn Gorman, Thom Gradisher, Thomas Porter, George Rady, Amelia Sciandra, Rebekah Vaisey and Jeffrey Vizcaino.

The theater will present post-performance discussions on Sunday, Oct. 28 (with dramaturg Karen Blansfield and director Tony Lea); Sunday, Nov. 4 (with Dr. Charlotte Sussman and the cast); and Thursday, Nov. 8 ("Meet the Designers").

Karen Blansfield will give a pre-show, "Meet the Play" talk on Friday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. The Deep Dish Book Selection, Steve Dublanica's "Waiter Rant," will be discussed Monday, Nov. 12. at 7 p.m. at Flyleaf Books.

Performances begin Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday (matinee) at 2 p.m.

Deep Dish is located in Chapel Hill's University Mall, on Estes Drive and U.S. 15-501.

Tickets are $21 for adults and $19 for seniors, regularly, with a $2 discount for Wednesday and Thursday shows. Student tickets are $14 for all performances.

For reservations, call (919) 968-1515. For more information, visit www.deepdish theater.org.