The Rivals

Synopsis Summary

A WORLD PREMIERE will kick off Skylight’s new season when we unveil Kirke Mechem’s The Rivals. Loosely based on Sheridan’s play of the same name, this comic opera is set in Newport, Rhode Island around the turn of the 20th century. An American heiress falls hopelessly in love with a composer and longs for living in “charming poverty.” Her aunt, the infamous Mrs. Malaprop, has more traditional aspirations for her and arranges a marriage with a rich and dashing British Naval Captain. As the rival lovers prepare to duel for the heiress’ hand in marriage, there is a twist that sends things spiraling into hilarity.

Kirke Mechem (b. 1925) is an American composer whose first opera, Tartuffe, has become one of the most popular operas written by an American. Skylight performed Tartuffe in 2007 and received critical acclaim by many, including the composer himself. Often called the Dean of American Choral Composers, Mr. Mechem has written an extensive list of compositions including choral and orchestral pieces.