T he moment Diane Smith saw a post about a party inspired by a throwback, feisty sitcom character, she knew St. Louis needed its own Mrs. Roper’s Romp.

Smith, 55, of Collinsville, remembers watching “Three’s Company,” a show that aired from 1977 to 1984, about three single roommates living together in an apartment complex owned by Stanley and Helen Roper. The comedic premise of the show required the male lead, Jack Tripper, played by John Ritter, to pretend to be gay because Mr. Roper would not allow unmarried men and women to live together.

His wife, Mrs. Roper, quickly figures out the ruse but conspires with the friends to keep up the facade.

“It was a little risqué for its time, but it was harmless,” Smith says. Helen Roper, played by Audra Lindley, wore oversized glasses, billowy c

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