Ben Jonson's 1609 farce, The Silent Woman, was among the playwright's greatest hits. Both John Dryden and Samuel Taylor Coleridge used the word "perfect" to describe this satire of Jacobean society. But American audiences are largely unfamiliar with the work, which is receiving its first-known professional American production at Washington's Shakespeare Theatre, where it is currently in previews.

Under Michael Kahn's direction, Ted van Griethuysen stars as Morose, an aging, noise-phobic bachelor who marries Epicoene (Ricki Robichaux), only to find his home taken over by some of London's loudest and most pompous denizens. Also featured in the cast are Naomi Jacobson, Floyd King, Nancy Robinette and David Sabin.

Show times at the Shakespeare Theatre, 450 7th St. N.W., Washington, are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturdays and most Sundays, through March 9. Tickets are $15-$65. For more information call 202-547-1122.