by Christine Sarkes
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at the Theatre in the Round now through October 5 is not the sedate BBC versions you’ve come to love and expect. Under the direction of Penelope Parsons-Lord and with Kate Hamill’s adaption, this is a rollicking, raucous, chaotic, and joyful contemporary spectacle. As a devoted Janeite, I love Hamill’s adaptions, which manage to reverently squeeze every ounce of humor, satire and scene-chewing physicality out of Jane Austen’s masterpieces. Parsons-Lord makes the most of her material and actors: they infuse so much energy, playfulness and joy into their performances, audiences can’t help but fall in love. And love is the theme of Jane Austen’s classic, as well as the suffocating social conventions, manners and expectations surrounding courtship and relationships. Even if you prefer traditional versions, this will not disappoint. Hamill’s adaptation adheres to the plot (confusingly minus Kitty Bennet’s character) and familiar dialogue but with an added layer of modern delivery, music and other touches. Audiences will recognize Bridgerton’s Vitamin String Quartet, Taylor Swift, Lorde and other popular artists during musical interludes that match onstage moments, often with hilarious effect.
Eva Gemlo is absolutely superb as Lizzy Bennet. She imbues her character with the sharp intellect, wit, subtle determination and resilience we love in our beloved heroine. Our own Erika Sasseville as Jane Bennet displays a gentle and loving demeanor that often breaks into sassiness when tested. The male leads are also excellent (Luke Langfeldt as Darcy and Michael Hundevad as Bingley), with Hundevad stealing scenes with his exuberant, playful, golden retriever-like charm. The remaining Bennets remain true to Austen’s portrayals, with the younger sisters displaying every ounce of drama-queen ditzy cluelessness they can muster (Nick Menzhuber as Mr. Bennet, Alison Anderson as Mrs. Bennet, Maya Vagle as Lydia and Stephanie Kahle as Mary). The entire cast and crew deserve a round of enthusiastic applause.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, adapted by Kate Hamill, directed by Penelope Parsons-Lord. Featuring Erika Sasseville (Jane), Eva Gemlo (Lizzy Bennet), Luke Langfeldt (Mr. Darcy), Maya Vagle (Lydia), Anna Olson (Lady Catherine), Davin Grindstaff (Mr. Collins), Adam Rider (Wickham), Sydney Payne (Miss Bingley), Michael Hundevad (Mr. Bingley), Stephanie Kahle (Mary), Reese Marcus (Charlotte Lucas), Nick Menzhuber (Mr. Bennet), Alison Anderson (Mrs. Bennet), with ensemble members Lizzie Esposito, Scott Hoffman, and Krista Weiss. With Assistant Director Christopher Goddard, Choreographer Claire Achen, Stage Manager Jessi Kadolph, Assistant Stage Manager Bejou Leifeld, Set Designer Madison Bunnell, Lighting Designer Alita Robertson, Costume Designers Penelope Parsons-Lord and Krista Weiss, Prop Designer Dom Detwiler, Sound Designer Robert Hoffman, and Hair/Makeup Designer Robin Gilmer.
Pride and Prejudice runs September 12 to October 5, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
and Sundays at 2:00pm at Theater in the Round, 245 Cedar Avenue, Minneapolis. Tickets: $20–29.Pay-What-You-Can: Monday, September 22 at 7:30pm. Audio-Described: Sunday, September 28 at 2:00pm
Content Advisory: Some mild innuendo. Best for ages 10+. Box Office Phone: 612-333-3010
More Info & Tickets: www.theatreintheround.org/prideandprejudice
Aisle Say - Twin Cities 