Kevin Massey, Erin Mackey, Ed Dixon, Harriet Harris Star in Premiere of The Rivals Musical | Playbill

Regional News Kevin Massey, Erin Mackey, Ed Dixon, Harriet Harris Star in Premiere of The Rivals Musical Eric Tucker directs the new musical, which begins performances October 30 at at Bristol Riverside in Pennsylvania.
Kevin Massey, Erin Mackey, Ed Dixon, and Harriet Harris Jenny Anderson

Bristol Riverside Theatre continues its 2018–2019 season with the world premiere of the new musical comedy The Rivals, based on Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s farce, October 30–November 18.

With book and lyrics by two-time Tony nominee Peter Kellogg (Anna Karenina, Desperate Measures) and music by two-time Richard Rodgers Award winner Stephen Weiner (The Honeymooners), the production is directed by Eric Tucker (Bedlam’s Sense and Sensibility) and choreographed by Jason A. Sparks (Hello, Dolly!).

Opening night is scheduled for November 1.

The cast is led by Tony Award winner Harriet Harris (Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Mrs. Malaprop, Drama Desk winner Ed Dixon (Georgie: My Adventures with George Rose) as Sir Anthony Absolute, Erin Mackey (Wicked) as Lydia Languish, Kevin Massey (A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder) as Captain Jack Absolute, Charlotte Maltby (The Sound of Music national tour) as Julia Melville, Chris Dwan (Finding Neverland) as Squire Bob Acres, John Treacy Egan (My Fair Lady) as Sir Lucius McTrigger, Emma Stratton (Prince of Broadway) as Lucy, Joe Veale as Thomas, and Jim Weitzer (Phantom of the Opera) as Faulkland.

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The Rivals follows the travails of Lydia Languish, a young lady in possession of a large fortune, who will lose two-thirds of that fortune if she marries without the consent of her guardian, Mrs. Malaprop.

The production also has musical direction by Steve Marzullo (Once On This Island, Mamma Mia!), orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin (War Paint, Dolly Parton's 9 to 5), scenic design by Jason Simms, costume design by Lisa Zinni, lighting design by Joe Doran, and sound design by Bradlee Ward. The orchestra will feature Philadelphia’s Elegance String Quartet.

The new musical is produced in association with Joe Davis and Amy E. Gewirtz, who are developing the show for a future Broadway run.

For additional information visit brtstage.org.

Rehearsal Photos: The Rivals Musical at Bristol Riverside

(Updated October 30, 2018)
 
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