News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

The Rivals Revival 2014

Run Time:
Two hours and 45 minutes
Opened: April 22, 2014
Closing: May 25, 2014

The Rivals - 2014 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Pearl Theatre
555 West 42nd Street (between 10th and 11th Avenues) New York, NY 10036

The Pearl Theatre Company revives The Rivals, a 1775 comedy of manners by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, directed by The Pearl’s new artistic director Hal Brooks. Carol Schultz reprises the role of Mrs. Malaprop, an elderly woman who prides herself on having advanced language skills, but continuously butchers idioms. It’s a role she also played for The Pearl in 2003.



Poking fun at the upper class’s proclivity for unnecessary melodrama and caprice, The Rivals traces the relationships of several rich lovers in Bath, England. Young heiress Lydia Languish, enthralled by contemporary romantic novels, craves a forbidden affair. Aware of her desires, aristocrat Captain Jack Absolute disguises himself as a penniless low-ranking military officer. When Lydia’s aunt Mrs. Malaprop learns of the scandalous relationship between her wealthy niece and this mysterious man, she enlists the help of her friend, Sir Anthony, to match Lydia with his honorable son – the very same Jack Absolute. In the meantime, two other men vying for Lydia’s affection are entangled in the identity scheme, while another relationship, between Lydia’s friend, Julia, and Jack’s friend, Faulkland, suffers when the latter can’t stop his jealous rages and doubts.


Get The Rivals Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

BWW Reviews: THE RIVALS, Arcola Theatre, October 21 2014
by Gary Naylor - Oct 23, 2014


Gary Naylor sees a classic of the English Stage delivered with verve and wit - he just hopes that the cast were enjoying it as much as they appeared to do!

Bronx Opera to Open 2014 Season with THE RIVALS, Begin. 1/11
by Tyler Peterson - Dec 20, 2013


The Bronx Opera will open its 2014 season with the New York premiere of Kirke Mechem's hilarious new opera based the comedy of manners by Richard Brinkley Sheridan. BxO – for nearly 50 years – has brought quality musical entertainment to Manhattan, Long Island, and of course, The Bronx.

The Rivals History

Other Productions of The Rivals

1974   Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
2014   Off-Broadway The Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway

Videos