About the Show

New York Classical Theatre presents a free, outdoor staging of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's 1775 comedy of manners.

Lydia Languish can imagine nothing more romantic than eloping with the impoverished Captain Beverly. Little does she know that Beverly is really Jack Absolute, a wealthy aristocrat who fears the truth of his identity isn't nearly romantic enough for Miss Languish's taste. How will he win her from himself? The audience follows the actors from place to place as the play moves from scene to scene. The show covers approximately three city blocks over two hours, so wear comfy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. 'The Rivals' plays Central Park (June 6- July 2), Nelson A. Rockefeller Park (July 5 and July 7-9), and Carl Schurz Park (July 12-16).

Critic Reviews (2)

"Two thumbs way up, then, for the scenic designers Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. With a cast of 10 directed by Stephen Burdman, the show itself is less successful. Slimmed down for speed, the script sacrifices depth and clarity and with them some comedy...The performance over all lacks vitality, with the sputtering, brooding Faulkland the only character who seems flesh and blood...Others have their moments, but the moments don’t cohere."
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“Easy to follow, regardless of the classical language...The leisure of the audience reflects the exaggerated idleness on stage…Bold intrigue, disguise and duplicity are colorfully wed in this positively delicious comedy…The show feels intimate, despite the presentational manner in which it begins...The bucolic setting, the contemporary spirit of the story, and the friendly energetic actors make for a felicitous gathering.”
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