Greenville College Factory Theatre Presents The Rivals
Published: April 13, 2021
April 13-16, at 7:30 pm, the Factory Theatre will produce The Rivals , one of the most popular English comedies of the 18th Century. Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, The Rivals places mistaken identities, misunderstandings, duels, and the colorful Mrs. Malaprop in the way of two young lovers, Captain Absolute and Lydia Languish.
Lydia's aunt is Mrs. Malaprop, whose creative but unintentional misuse of words gave the term "malapropism" to the English language. With such outrageous and unusual exclamations as "He is the very pineapple of politeness" and "She's as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of the Nile," Mrs. Malaprop has been forever memorialized in the English language. She devotes most of her time to keeping her niece safe from all but the most deserving suitors.
Meanwhile, Captain Absolute tries to manage the romantic entanglements of his friend Faulkland, and confusion ensues. The delightful unraveling of the lovers' misfortunes leads to nonsense and hilarity accompanied by witty dialogue that makes the show a fun time for every audience member.
Webster's defines malapropism as "ludicrous misuse of a word, especially through confusion caused by resemblance in sound to another word." The comic potential of this abuse of the language is limited only by one's imagination.
Greenville College faculty and students have contributed a few of their own malapropisms. "My goodness, you look extinguished today," said cast member Professor Holman, complimenting Rivals director Dr. Cecelia Ulmer. Malapropisms recently overheard during rehearsal at the Factory Theatre are, "In high schools, teenagers tend to undergo pure pressure, "the abdomina l snowman was seen in the gullies," and "Faulkland is so crazy about Julia that he puts her on a pedal stool ."
Assistant Director Jamie Fuller complained, "More rain? I don't think I can take all this participation !" "I'm studying hard to become truant in Spanish," announced Asst. Stage Manager Alycia Shaw. Dr. Ulmer added, "Most students take an ineptitude test before they enter college."
Do you resemble these remarks? Unless some terrible conformity befalls her, Mrs. Malaprop, along with her friends, will make her appearance at the Factory Theatre April 13-16 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are on sale at Watson's Drugstore, Jo's Java, and the Greenville College dining commons.
For more information contact media@greenville.edu.
