This beautifully-staged, perfectly cast and meticulously directed production receives vocally enthusiastic curtain calls at every performance. It's one of this season's biggest hits. How much has been cut from the 1813 classic novel is difficult to determine, but, aided by narrative passages spoken by different characters, Pride And Prejudice maintains a steady pace and seamless continuity, preventing a lengthy production from being laborious. Despite the author's own description to her sister that her novel is "rather too light, and bright and sparkling," the director, aided by choreographed movement, keeps the story balanced with the dramatic.
The story revolves around the five unmarried Bennet daughters who, on the death of their father, will face a bleak future and receive a mere 1,000 pounds a year each. The balance of the family estate has been left to the nearest male relative, Mr. Collins, "not a sensible man," who applies scheming and irresistible sensuality to seduce more than one of the vulnerable sisters, but not the intelligent, mature Elizabeth, played with flawless precision, warmth and authority by Lucy Peacock. Meanwhile Mrs. Bennet hastily sets about marketing and prepping her progeny with the zeal and dexterity of a modern talent manager.
The right conditions, like social position, wealth and stability, are a constant throughout the play in this fascinating view of 19th century British gentry. Two eligible suitors, the aggressive Charles Bingley and the quieter Fitzwilliam Darcy, make their bids for Elizabeth's confidence and her heart. Donald Carrier, in his Stratford debut as Bingley, and seven-season veteran Geordie Johnson as Darcy, bring to their roles the talent and personalities which have made them in-demand actors on stage, TV and in film...as this classic predecessor to the daytime TV "soap" shifts into high gear with remarkable grace and style.
