The first production of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s 2011-2012 season, “The Heir Apparent,” is brilliant for three reasons. First, it begins with a deliciously satirical play, written in 1708 by the celebrated French playwright Jean-Francois Regnard; second, it’s translated and adapted by the inspired writer David Ives; third, the production benefits from the talents of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s gifted artistic director, actors and designers. Regnard followed in Moliere’s footsteps. In this, his most famous work, he pictures a likeable young man, Eraste (Andrew Veenstra), who is in love with a young girl, Isabelle (Meg Chambers Steedle).

But Eraste must prove that he will inherit his aged uncle’s wealth before Isabelle’s mother, Madame Argante (Nancy Robinette), will allow her daughter to marry him. Meanwhile, Eraste’s uncle, Geronte (Floyd King), has other plans for his money. It’s left up to Eraste’s wily servant, Crispin (Carson Elrod), to set things right.