Austin Shakespeare is presenting the hilarious comedy of manners The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, in an online reading at 5 pm, Sunday, May 30. Tickets are available at austinshakespeare.org.

“The Rivals is one of the wittiest romances ever!” said Artistic Director Ann Ciccolella. The story of a high-born Englishman who impersonates an impoverished lover to win the heart of Lydia Languish, who refuses to marry a well-to-do suitor, The Rivals has entertained audiences since its debut in the 18th century.  “Comic characters abound, and we are delighted to have a bouquet of talented performers to bring them to life and laughter,” Ciccolella said.  The farcical romp that skewers money, class and marriage will be performed in contemporary fancy dress.

The Rivals will feature award-winning Austin Equity Union actors performing under the auspices of Theatre Authority for the benefit of Austin Shakespeare, which is a non-profit company. Marc Pouhé is the demanding but good-natured father Sir Anthony Absolute, Babs George is the infinitely misspoken Mrs. Malaprop, Ben Wolfe is the legendary Bob Acres, and Jill Blackwood is one of the lovers, Julia Melville. John Austin will play the hero, Captain Jack Absolute.  Originally from Austin, John has amazed Young Shakespeare audiences in the past as Romeo and Julius Caesar. After graduating from Boston University, John performed at the illustrious Arena Stage, DC. A delight for our The Importance of Being Earnest audiences as Gwendolyn, Amani Dorn returns to portray the confused Lydia Languish.

Austin Shakespeare alumna Michelle Jackson returns to the company as the lively maid, Lucy, and Levi Gore returns as the playful servant, David. New to the company are: Graham Emmons as the stalwart friend, Faulkland; recent Texas State University grads Lucas Matteson as the Irish rogue Sir Lucas O’Trigger; Nicholas Ortiz as the clever Thomas, and current Texas State acting student Manali Sunkara as the humorous servant, Fag.

ABOUT AUSTIN SHAKESPEARE: “The Bard is only the beginning.” Audiences travel many roads with this professional company for surprising and entertaining theater productions featuring heightened language at The Long Center’s Rollins Studio Theatre in the fall and spring, as well as Free Summer Shakespeare in Zilker Park and Young Shakespeare at the Curtain Theater replica. Austin Shakespeare has produced 24 events over the past year online. Founded in 1984 and the only professional classical theater company in Central Texas, Austin Shakespeare stages performances that are fresh, bold, imaginative, thought-provoking and eminently accessible — connecting the truths of the past with the challenges and possibilities of today.  #ATXTheatre

Austin Shakespeare is a proud member of the Austin Creative Alliance.

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