Jane Austen knew what she was doing when she offered the world her perspective on English behavior and class. Austen's works, which have all been made into films several times over, are as popular is ever.
"Pride and Prejudice," the novel, was first published in 1813. It follows the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, whose life is wrapped around upbringing, marriage, morality and aristocratic society. However, Bennet meets Mr. Darcy, one of Austen's most memorable male figures, and discovers the meaning of what it is to have pride and to be prejudiced.
The Performing Arts Academy and the Wood River High School Drama Club will present Jane Kendall's adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" at the Community Center theatre in Hailey beginning next week. The roles have been double casted by director Karl Nordstrom and the performance includes one-of-a-kind costumes by Winkie McCray.
"Winkie supplied every piece of wardrobe," said assistant director Cathy Reinheimer. "She has to have credit for the effort and incredible support she has given us."
McCray's authentic 19th-century designs have contributed to the enthusiasm and attention the players have given to "Pride and Prejudice." Several cast members agreed that wearing a different style of dress allows them to become a different person on stage and experience another period of time.
"It is easier to be someone else," said Sage Howe, who plays Lady Lucas. "It's nice to come right out and be someone in the 1800s."
The entire cast embraces using an English accent and the class system attached to the accent.
The cast and crew agreed that Mr. Bennett, played by Sean Dahlman, is always in character and his role as head of the family suits him. Mr. Bennett is a respected character mostly because of the many women who swirl around him always talking and planning.
"The production includes 21 actors, of which 17 are freshman girls," Nordstrom said. "They were very excited to be double casted."
The players are sophisticated, well mannered and have an innate sense of timing when it comes to using English accents and facial expressions. When asked what the title of the play meant, the cast agreed that characters were prejudice about money and snobbery but were proud of family and values.
Playbill
What: "Pride and Prejudice."
Where: Community Campus theatre in Hailey.
When: Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 4-7, and Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 9-10.
Cost: $8 adults and $5 students and seniors.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Cast members of the Performing Arts Academy and Wood River High School Drama Club will perform an adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” at the Community Campus theater in Hailey.
Express photo by Mark Oliver
