Twin-Rivals

About this book

"This comedy was produced at Drury Lane on December 14, 1702. It is the most accurate of all Farquhar's productions. The plot, though improbable, is well constructed and sustained, the dialogue lively and entertaining, whilst the characters of the Younger Wouldbe, Mrs. Mandrake, and Teague are so naturally drawn as to appear real personages, dependent little upon the art of the actor or the imagination of the author for their creation." (Critic Alex. Charles Ewald) Note that there is an attempted rape in the play, which gets downplayed - the woman even partially blames herself, saying "this late adventure has taught me how dangerous it is to provoke a gentle man by ill usage." However -- and surprisingly considering this is from 1702 and not 2018 -- the epilogue then provides an apology to women, and a reminder that this is just a play -- and a comedy at that -- and that we shouldn't take the actions too seriously, but with a grain of salt. It's entertainment, not so much a social commentary (TJ and ToddHW) Cast list: Hermes Wouldbe, elder Son and heir to Lord Wouldbe: ToddHW Benjamin Wouldbe, his Brother: Tomas Peter Richmore, a gay dissipated Rake: Kurt Captain Trueman, his Nephew, and friend to Hermes Wouldbe: Jim Gallagher Subtleman, an Attorney: Son of the Exiles Fairbank, a Goldsmith: Devorah Allen Balderdash, a Vintner: Nemo Clearaccount, Steward to Lord Wouldbe: alanmapstone Comic, a Poet: Availle Jack, Valet to Benjamin Wouldbe: graceahlin Teague, Valet to Hermes Wouldbe: Monika M. C. Frisure, Valet to Benjamin Wouldbe: April6090 Constance, betrothed to Hermes Wouldbe (also Prologue): Eva Davis Aurelia, her Cousin, beloved by Captain Trueman: TJ Burns Mrs. Clearaccount, Wife to Clearaccount: Leanne Yau Mrs. Mandrake, a Midwife and Procuress: Sonia Alderman: Larry Wilson Constable: Foon Fourth Gentleman: Stefan Von Blon Fifth Gentleman: Foon Mob: April6090 Maid: Availle Footman: Roger Melin Servant: Adriana Sacciotto Stage Directions: Sandra Schmit Edited by: ToddHW