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.