ALL IN LOVE Music by Jacques Urbont; Book and lyrics by Bruce Geller; Based on Sheridan's The Rivals Martinique Theatre, New York - Opened November 10, 1961 Ran for 141 performances SYNOPSIS In this hilarious musical setting of Sheridan's immortal comedy, The Rivals, his classic creations parade on-stage with all the humour of the original play plus the zest of Jacques Urbont and Bruce Geller's lilting songs. Lydia Languish, Jack Absolute, the tongue-twisted Mrs. Malaprop, Sir Anthony, Bob Acres, Lucy and the hot-tempered Sir Lucas O'Trigger are all on hand to contribute to the mirth of concealed identities, misdirected love letters, assignations and other delicious conventions of the 18th century comedy of manners. STORY As a distant trumpet sounds, we see the elegant courtyard of an Inn on the road to Bath, the most elegant resort in England. Ladies and Gentlemen crowd the area. The flirtations have already begun. It is the mating season in genteel England and many people are ready to find a match. As the people disperse, Sir Anthony and Mrs. Malaprop appear and discuss the marriage of Sir Anthony's son, Captain Jack Absolute, to Mrs. Malaprop's niece, Miss Lydia Languish. Both families are wealthy, and a marriage like this would certainly be wonderful. Even though Jack is not present, Sir Anthony suggests the marriage be arranged in his absence, saying it is less complicated that way. The two adults take a stroll to further discuss the upcoming wedding. No sooner are they gone when Lucy, the Malaprop servant, appears to scout the situation for her mistress, Lydia. Once Lucy tells her the coast is clear, Lydia appears looking for her fiancé, Ensign Beverly, who is waiting for her inside the inn. He is a wonderful, but poor man and he is everything Lydia wants though hardly what her aunt would approve of. Lydia orders Lucy to find him, for she wishes to pick a quarrel. She doesn't want to break their engagement, but finds it unromantic if a couple never quarrels. In order to start an argument she has invented another woman and plans to put herself into a violent rage, vowing to never again see Beverly. She thinks it will be delightful to see how this gallant man will suffer. Lucy goes to fetch Beverly while Lydia stays to rehearse her quarrel. Sir Lucius O'Trigger appears and, struck by Lydia's charms, circles her admiringly. A reappearing Mrs. Malaprop, however, catches sight of O'Trigger and is quite taken with him for herself. Lydia leaves as Sir Anthony reappears and informs O'Trigger that he should not stare at Lydia since she is soon to be part of his (Sir Anthony's) family. An insulted O'Trigger irately challenges Sir Anthony to a duel, but O'Trigger is crowded by an adoring Mrs. Malaprop who eventually chases after him. Sir Anthony, too, stalks off. Jack/Beverly (Jack being his alias) appears from an entirely new direction, sees Sir Anthony (his father) and turns his back. Bag, a manservant, calls out "Captain Jack!" Jack/Beverly reprimands the servant, reminding him that he doesn't want his father to catch him in Bath. For now, he is to be known as the penniless Ensign Beverly, not Captain Jack Absolute. He is disguising himself since his intended, Lydia, wants to marry a poor man. Lydia enters to greet her love as he (Jack/Beverly) sends Bag away. She is most happy that he is not wealthy. In fact, the thought of his poverty throws her into the world of bliss. Jack/Beverly lies and once again confirms that he has nothing to his name. Lydia promises to marry him. She suggests that they elope. This will cause scandal, which Lydia finds even more tantalising. She returns to the inn and Jack is left alone to ruminate. Lucy comes back and gives him a note from Lydia. Jack takes it and gives her a note of his own
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODU3MzQ=