THE
RIVALS
The
Rivals have been delighting audiences since its very first presentation
at London's Covent Garden Theatre on January 17th, 1775. The idealistic
Lydia Languish, reads nothing but romantic novels, and in doing so,
believes she can only find true love in the arms of a man without
wealth. Captain Jack Absolute has fallen in love with her, and pretends
to be a penniless ensign to win her heart. Coming between these two
lovers are some of the most extraordinary comic characters ever to
grace a stage; the autocratic Sir Anthony Absolute, the misspeaking
Mrs. Malaprop, the fiery Irishman from Clod hall - Sir Lucius
O’Trigger; and poor Bob Acres, a country squire who finds himself with
a dueling pistol in his hand. One of the funniest late-Restoration
comedies, “The Rivals” has spanned the centuries, and will continue to
do so.
