It doesn’t seem to matter what party you align with: Americans are wound pretty tight these days. A Feb. 15 poll by the American Psychological Association revealed, in fact, that we are more stressed out than we’ve been for a decade.

The Springs Ensemble Theatre offers a respite from the headlines with “The Heir Apparent,” a David Ives (“Venus in Fur”) adaptation of Jean-Francois Regnard’s irreverent French farce from 1705. It runs through March 5.

Set in 18th-century Paris (but brimming with contemporary references), the story finds Eraste (Greg Reilly) determined to marry Isabelle (Michelle Pantle). Servants Crispin (Adam Sterling-Blancas) and Lisette (Sarah S. Shaver) also scheme to marry. Neither couple will be able to manage it, though, without being included in the yet-to-be-written will of Geronte (Steve Wallace), a miserly old man apparently on the brink of death. A greedy mother, a diminutive lawyer with a thick French accent and a farting clock are also along for the ride.

(Yes, a farting clock. If you’re uncomfortable with scatological references played for laughs, this may not be the comedy for you.)

And did I mention that the dialogue is in couplets? That’s right, the kind you might find in a Shakespearean sonnet.

Take it as an antidote for the 24-hour news cycle, and you’re likely to enjoy “The Heir Apparent.” It consistently made me smile, although the predictable story and the over-caffeinated dialogue, while clever, didn’t often surprise me into laughter.

On opening night, the excellent cast seems to revel in the challenging dialogue, sometimes lacking polish but generally delivering it with spontaneity and clarity. (High marks go to director Max Ferguson for helping his cast coax meaning and emphasis out of the rhymes.) Except for passages of shouting and the lawyer’s dense accent, the audience has easy access to every bit of the verbal machinations. That’s critical because Ives’ script is almost acrobatic in its ability to twist conversation into rhyme.

In this fine ensemble, Sterling-Blancas handles a demanding role with notable skill. Although a little more discipline would be welcome, Sterling-Blancas brings nuttiness, confidence and a delightful facility to build the alter egos required here. I hope we continue to see this actor on local stages.

In contrast to the headlong pace of the rest of the play, the middle of the second act dragged as the cast seemed to lose focus. And with the waning energy, the couplets became a bit tiresome, as if we were simply wading through the dialogue to get to the expected ending. Happily, they regained their footing and finished the play with the verve with which they started it.

Some wardrobe also had a mind of its own: A skull cap and the lawyer Scruple’s (Sophie Thunberg, who was charming) extravagant mustache both refused to stay in place. Kudos, though, to costume designer Shaver, who does quite a lot with a little.

Heir 2: Greg Reilly and Michelle Pantle Photo by Emory John Collinson.

Tracy Mobley-Matinez Saturday December 13, 2014. Photo by Jeff Kearney

Jeff Keaerney

Heir 1: Steve Wallace (left), Adam Sterling-Blancas and Sarah S. Shaver Photo by Emory John Collinson

Heir 2: Greg Reilly and Michelle Pantle Photo by Emory John Collinson.

Heir 1: Steve Wallace (left), Adam Sterling-Blancas and Sarah S. Shaver Photo by Emory John Collinson

Tracy Mobley-Matinez Saturday December 13, 2014. Photo by Jeff Kearney

Jeff Keaerney