Book Description

Lovely young Lydia Languish resists all attempts by her guardians to select a suitable husband for her. Although she comes from a wealthy family, she considers it more romantic to choose a man from among the lower class. She pursues a relationship of passion and romance rather than seeking a fellow from her own social class who would inherit wealth and position. Her arrogant aunt, Mrs. Malaprop (famous for her use of misapplied terms known as "malapropisms"), strives by various means to force Lydia into submission. She is assisted by an old friend, Anthony Absolute, whose handsome young son, Captain Jack Absolute, serves in the military. Jack has taken a fancy to Lydia, and has adopted an alias, Lieutenant Bonny, because he wishes to pursue her. He knows she will not see him if she knows him to be a member of the upper class, so he pretends to be a lowly lieutenant. Bonny and Lydia carry on a secret romance, but a quarrel created intentionally by Lydia keeps them apart. Lydia's cousin Julia sympathizes with Lydia for the many troubles she must endure. Julia is engaged to be married to Fred, who is obsessed with her and is overcome with insecurity and jealousy. Mrs. Malaprop has suitors of her own which she attempts to conceal from Lydia. A clever servant, Lucy, carries letters between the lovers while she manipulates circumstances for financial benefit. She mixes things up mischievously and delightfully. Several men nearly come to violence in pursuit of their women. Romance and wit abound in this humorous play adapted in a modern version by Rolf McEwen from The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. This version is set in England in 1910.