Reviewed by Tony Annicone
The opening show of Trinity Rep’s 55th season is “Pride and Prejudice” by Kate Hamill, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel. Written in 1813, the story depicts events, society and romance of that era. The four Bennet sisters, through their individual personalities, relationship to each other, their parents, societal acquaintances from all classes and finally their love interests reveal the manners and mores, the wit, pangs of the heart and the spunk of Austen’s characters.
Mrs. Bennet wants to see her daughters married and by law in 1813, the Bennet women cannot inherit their father’s estate and so, the task of finding a suitable mate rests not only with them but with their loving and ingenious parents. The misunderstandings of a most intelligent and attractive Elizabeth Bennet and her nemesis, the equally attractive, but mysterious Mr. Darcy, who is stuffy but comes across as arrogant. It becomes an interesting dance of pride and prejudice in this multilayered romantic show. Until both Elizabeth and Darcy can truly see without blinders, can release their short-sightedness about other people as well as about each other, neither can be open to the grace of true love. In finally acknowledging their own limitations they capture the hearts of the audience as well as of each other. This new adaptation is more comic in nature and it also contains gender bending roles thrown in, making it a burlesque and mad romp that everyone can laugh at. Director/choreographer Birgitta Victorson casts talented performers in these role. The finishing touches to create the 1813 era are the wonderful set by Michael McGarty and the multitude of gorgeous costumes by Olivera Gajic which brings the audience back to early nineteenth century England. This eight member cast receives a spontaneous standing ovation at curtain call on a job extremely well done. This is one of the must see shows of this or any season.
Birgitta brings out the best in her brilliant and talented cast and blocks them beautifully. She keeps the action of the show in constant motion with most cast members playing two roles. Her choreography of the dance scenes is terrific. Playing the leading roles of Elizabeth and Darcy are Rebecca Gibel and Rachael Warren. Rebecca is a gorgeous, petite blonde who plays this strong willed woman of the 1800’s with spunk and plays the role perfectly. She gives her the backbone to speak her mind and a voice of her own which was a unique occurrence for that time. The sparring verbal scenes between Elizabeth and Darcy sparkle with wit and cleverness, bringing the beauty of their romantic moments into a satisfying conclusion. Rebecca also brings tears to your eyes when you think she has been defeated in her quest but realizes at last she has been prejudiced about not listening to Darcy’s point of view. Rachael plays the male role of Darcy and does a marvelous job as this standoffish man. The audience slowly begins to understand the motives behind his actions that upset Elizabeth. He later on convinces both Elizabeth and the audience of his worthiness to become her husband by helping Jane and Lydia with their romances as well as revealing his true feelings towards her at last.
Playing Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are Richard Donelly and Janice Duclos. His character is staid and in control of his emotions while Mrs. Bennet’s character is larger than life. Janice is a whirlwind of energy in this role. Her “You’re my favorite daughter and “You are getting on my nerves and all her line delivery enliven the proceedings excellently. Katie Coyle plays the youngest daughter, Lydia and she has some of the funniest lines in the show. She is a hoot as the youngest sister who enjoys life to the fullest and is anxious to be married before her older sisters. Lydia eventually runs off with a shady army officer. Rachael does double duty as this cad, George Wickham who is the polar opposite of Darcy. She plays this seemingly nice person who has hidden secrets in his past. This evil behavior is transformed later on in the show when he becomes a reformed married man due to Darcy’s influence.
The eldest sister Jane is played by Shelley Fort who has a crush on Mr. Bingley. She is topnotch in this role, eliciting the sympathy of the audience when all seems lost. She also plays Lady Catherine’s daughter, Miss De Bough who delivers funny mumbling lines with her barracuda of a mother. Jane’s eventual husband, Mr. Bingley is played humorously by Angela Brazil who also plays the constantly coughing sister, Mary who appears when least expected, scaring the others onstage. Bingley’s wooing of Jane to win her back is hilarious as he returns with Darcy’s help, leading to a satisfying conclusion. Playing Bingley’s devious sister is Joe Wilson Jr. in drag. She plots against Darcy and Elizabeth’s involvement as well as persuading her brother to dump Jane. Joe is dressed in red dress with feathers in his wig, like Dolly Levi as Miss Bingley while dancing the Vogue at her first entrance. Joe also plays Parson Collins, the heir to the Bennet fortune. His comic character wants to marry one of the daughters as the heir but none of them are interested in him at all. Joe is very funny in this role of social misfit while sounding like a nerd never knowing what to say as well as sounding like Shemp Howard with noises the Stooge would make. He eventually marries Elizabeth’s best friend, Charlotte played in drag by Richard Donelly who is one of the homeliest women around. Katie Croyle also plays Darcy’s mean spirited, wealthy dowager aunt, Catherine which is quite different than the man hungry Lydia. Lady Catherine is reminiscent of Lady Bracknell while shouting orders to those around her. The dancing in the show symbolizes and is a reflection of Elizabeth and Darcy dancing around their emotions. So for a spectacular mad cap romp, be sure to catch “Pride and Prejudice” at Trinity Repertory Company. What a fabulous way to kick off their 55th season! Run do not walk to the box office before this show is completely sold out. Tell them Tony sent you.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (4 October to 4 November)
Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington St, Providence, RI
1(401)351-4242 or www.trinityrep.com
