STAGE REVIEW : ‘Rivals’ Authentic, but Thin for Modern Tastes

The apparent intent behind Cal State Fullerton’s production of “The Rivals” is to present an unimpeachably authentic example of 18th-Century English theater.

Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s “comedy of manners” first was performed in 1775 as a nipping satire on a society straitjacketed by convention and pretension. Director Lawrence Jasper’s revival is in that era’s own theatrics: an actor introduces the play, and others regularly turn to the first row to give clues to what is going on. Todd Muffatti’s sets even include a couple of raised opera boxes where costumed, pompadoured ladies serve as a make-believe audience.

This detailed attention to historical reference is admirable, but the play itself, largely because of its archaic quality, can be a trial. Any relevance to today is too thin to generate much interest.

Even as a museum piece, “The Rivals,” despite its elaborate language and shimmying plot, has never struck me as very compelling. It is not nearly as accomplished as Sheridan’s “The School for Scandal,” which was staged two years later.

Almost always farcical, the play centers on Lydia Languish (Diane Dale), a giddy romantic in love with Ens. Beverly (Brian Muir). The lovely Lydia, however, has been promised to the moneyed Capt. Absolute.

This spells trouble for her sentimental heart but, as it turns out, Ens. Beverly and Capt. Absolute are the same man. There to create more chaos is another Lydia suitor, the clownish Bob Acres (Kevin Ruggles), and Rosemary Petersen’s misspeaking Mrs. Malaprop (who says “allegory” when she means “alligator” and “pineapple” when she means “pinnacle,” among dozens of others). Mrs. Malaprop is pursued by Sir Lucius O’Trigger (Michael Denney).

Adding even more to the confusion is another set of lovers, Faulkland (Charles E. Gallagher) and Julia (Brenda Smith).

Since the roles are just cut-outs (the theater of this period often depended on dialogue and circumstances, as opposed to character depth, for development), the demands facing the student cast are not great. Although some of the actors could improve their diction, everyone is well-rehearsed and almost everyone has his or her accent down. Ruggles takes some liberties with Acres, all to the show’s benefit.

‘THE RIVALS’

A Cal State Fullerton production of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s “The Rivals.” Directed by Lawrence Jasper. With Greg Neagle, Greg Willmarth, Haley B. Sweet, Diane Dale, Brenda Smith, Rosemary Petersen, Forrest Robinson, Brian Muir, Charles E. Gallagher, Kevin Ruggles, Michael Denney and Carl P. Berg. Sets by Todd Muffatti (with Charles L. Messerly). Costumes and lighting by Lisa K. Hampton. Plays today through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets: $4 to $6. (714) 773-3371.