Great Lakes Theater’s production of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ will win you over
In the world of fine literature there are two types of people. Those who are rabid fans of Jane Austen and those who have never read one her seven novels, seen the movie versions or caught the BBC televised adaptations. For it is true that once you make yourself acquainted with her writings that depict the English gentry in the Georgian Period of British history you will become a fast fan.
With this being said it should be noted that nothing comes close to experiencing these novels than seeing them performed as live plays on stage. Great Lakes Theater has undertaken the challenge by mounting an exceptional production of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, adapted by Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan and Directed by Joseph Hanreddy.
It is 1812 and Bennet family is in turmoil. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet (Andrew May* and Carol Healey*) have five daughters: Jane (Jillian Kates*), Elizabeth (Laura Welsh Berg*), Mary (Courtney Hausman), Catherine or Kitty (Amy Keum*) and Lydia (Kailey Boyle*) but no sons in which to be heir to the family fortune. Instead, their estate is under the control of a distant second cousin, William Collins (Eric Damon Smith*) who is the presumptive heir of Longbourn House where the Bennet family resides. He is a minister under the patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh Lynn Allison*).
Enter onto the scene Charles Bingley (Daniel Millhouse*) and his friend Fitzwilliam Darcy (Nick Steen). Bingley is leasing a nearby estate with option to purchase. He is rich and single and an immediate target of Mrs. Bennet who maneuvers a meeting with her eldest Jane while sensible Elizabeth is foisted onto the unwilling Darcy. It is not a good fit since both spend their time together arguing. Thus it is a love story.
With minimal props and intricate stage design by Linda Buchanan and wonderful costuming by Martha Hally this tale of class conflict, romance and manners takes on an entirely new life on its own. With the characterizations of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as well as family members Aunt and Uncle Gardiner (Katherine Deboir* and Aled Davies*) who step in to see that Darcy and Elizabeth find their love for each other it turns what could otherwise be a dry romance into a delightful comedy. All of the characters are captivating as you try to imagine which daughter will be matched with which suitor.
Special mention goes to Andrew May as the put upon Mr. Bennet whose “nary a clue” facial expressions are priceless. He is matched in wit by Carole Healey whose laugh is worth the price of the ticket.
Laura Welsh Berg as Mary and Nick Steen as Mr. Darcy are perfect in their roles as two opposites who find themselves attracted to each other in spite of themselves. Others to watch are the remaining sisters played by Jillian Kates, Courtney Hausman, Amy Keum Kailey Boyle who add a bit a frenetic energy to the mix. Lastly, Lynn Allison as Lady Catherine de Bourch who plays the pompous matriarch much as her title implies.
As with most classics it is a long sit at two and a half hours and a fifteen minute intermission (during which tea and biscuits were served in a small anti-room). It might not be the play to take young children to but a sure hit with those in high school.
If you are unfamiliar with the works of Jane Austen this is a brilliant way to take her into your life. The play is true to the novel and exceptionally acted. You truly get to know each person involved and in turn fall in love with them. Bravo to Great Lakes Theater for an extraordinarily fine production.
Pride and Prejudice will be on stage at the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square in tandem with the Great Lakes Theater production of Mamma Mia through November 4, 2018. Tickets may be purchased by calling (216) 241-6000 or online by going to www.greatlakestheater.org.