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- February 9, 2006
Classic English comedy presented by ISU Theatre
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While it may not be as well known as other British comedies, "The
Rivals" is still considered to be a masterpiece more than 230 years
after it was written.
ISU Theatre will present the Richard Brinsley Sheridan classic comedic
tale at Fisher Theater on the Iowa State University campus. The production
will be performed Feb. 24-26 and March 3-5. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.
for the Friday and Saturday evening performances and 2 p.m. on both Sundays.
"People don't have a lot of opportunities to see such a masterpiece
of comedic writing as ‘The Rivals,'" says Jane Cox, professor of
music and director of "The Rivals."
"The Rivals" is the tale of two lovers. In order to woo the idealistic
Lydia Languish, who disdains money, Captain Absolute disguises himself
as a poor Army officer. But Captain Absolute is anything but poor.
Standing between the two lovers is a famous collection of comic characters
including Lydia's quick-tongued aunt, Mrs. Malaprop, who often gets her
thoughts and words just a little confused.
Cox says Mrs. Malaprop is one of the funniest characters in the history
of English theatre. The character continually tries to impress those around
her with long words. Instead, she misuses the word. The character has
even entered the English language. The word malapropism is derived from
Mrs. Malaprop and means continually trying to impress with long words
but using the wrong ones.
"Mrs. Malaprop is one of the most famous characters in the theatre,"
Cox says. "There is a lot of richness in the role."
But it's more than Mrs. Malaprop that makes "The Rivals" a wonderful
show.
"I think the characters share a lot of qualities with people we all
know," Cox said. "For instance, we have parents in ‘The Rivals'
who think the know their children but they really don't."
The cast includes Steve Vander Linden as Captain Absolute, Jessica Hanson
as Lydia Languish, Malary Harris as Mrs. Malaprop, and Michael Rubke as
Sir Anthony Absolute. Other cast members include Philip Henry, Jordan
Whalen, Ian Mostrom, Ken Oishi, Matt Bridges, Jason Pollard, Genevieve
Henricks and Jillian Carstensen.
Cox says that the cast members are another reason to see "The Rivals."
"We have a lot of students that are very good at doing comedy,"
she said. "‘The Rivals' gives them a wonderful chance to show these
talents in a different style of comedy.
"From time-to-time, the characters will turn away from the scene
and talk directly to the audience. It shows us not only what's going on
in the play but what is going on inside the characters."
Admission is $13 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $7 for students.
Tickets can be purchased at the Iowa State Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster
locations, or by calling 515-233-1888.
Philip Henry, Jesica Hanson and Steve Vander Linden in “The
Rivals.”
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