Overview

Superior rating at many play competitions. On her 14th birthday, the Infanta Maria of Spain leaves the royal celebration because she cannot join in the fun -- a Princess must remain aloof. The Princess summons LeBossu, the hunchbacked dwarf entertainer. From him, she learns about faith, beauty and hope; and when he tells her he is haunted by a hideous face he sees reflected in every brook, she realizes that he believes himself part of the world of beauty, and not the horrid little monster of his own reflections. The compassion that has lain dormant in the Infanta's heart comes to life, and she fancies herself in love with the dwarf. Then the Duchess enters with the stranger, an arrogant noble, and announces that this is the man the Infanta must marry. The Princess protests, but it is too little, too late. Her aunt's domineering ways have been too effective. She is forced to watch the dwarf learn the truth about himself. He dies, and she walks calmly, as befits a queen, to the door, where she turns and announces, For the future, let those who come to play with me have no hearts.