Theater Review: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Lifeline)

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by Nia Liat on August 14, 2020

in Theater-Chicago,Virtual

A PRODUCTION TO BE PROUD OF

Pride and Prejudice is Austen’s best-known novel, and its rich tapestry of characters and urbane dialogue have made it a natural for the stage, television, and motion pictures — and now, virtual streaming. To kick off its new line of digital programming, Lifeline Theatre presents Pride and Prejudice, adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christina Calvit and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Dorothy Milne. Lifeline has created a niche for itself dramatizing literary classics, and the company has already proven this adaptation a gem, combining Calvit’s stylish adaptation with scintillating performances by a large cast to capture the culture of genteel English provincial life in the early nineteenth century.

Pride and Prejudice takes us into the home of the Bennet family, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their five unmarried daughters living in Meryton in the county of Hertfordshire. The local society resembles a giant marriage market, with the eligibility of single men pegged to their annual income (5,000 pounds a year is desirable and 10,000 pounds a year makes the bachelor the lodestar of every ambitious mother and simpering daughter in the county).

Elizabeth Bennet is the high spirited and independent daughter in the Bennet clan. Opposite her is Mr. Darcy, one of the 10,000 pounds a year bachelors, a haughty young man who does not suffer fools gladly and sees fools all around him in Hertfordshire, especially female fools. Elizabeth and Darcy are clearly destined to be united, but in Austenian fashion they at first antagonize each other, their conflicts intensified by a series of misunderstandings. By the end of the story, will stiff-necked pride be relinquished and and prejudices yielded?

Join this cast of memorable characters as they explore Jane Austen’s beloved comedy of manners in our modern, virtual world.

Pride and Prejudice runs Sept. 10 – Oct. 4 online. Ticket holders will receive a password to view the production for the whole weekend of purchase. The ticket price is Name Your Price (suggested donation of $20) for a single weekend access (Thursday through Sunday). Tickets may be purchased by visiting Lifeline.

Featuring:

CAST:
Caroline Andres (Violinist)
Bilal Dardai (Mr. Bingley, Townsperson)
Andrés Enriquez (Mr. Darcy)
Peter Greenberg (Sir William, Colonel Forster, Mr. Gardiner, Townsperson)
Chris Hainsworth (Mr. Bennet)
Katie McLean Hainsworth (Mrs. Bennet)
Lydia Hiller (Kitty Bennet, Caroline Bingley, Townsperson)
Anthony Kayer (Mr. Collins, Townsperson)
Kristina Loy (Jane Bennet)
Martel Manning (Colonel Fitzwilliam, Townsperson)
Mike McKeogh (Mr. Wickham, Townsperson)
Phoebe Moore (Lydia Bennet, Miss de Bourgh, Townsperson)
Samantha Newcomb (Elizabeth Bennet)
Jenifer Tyler (Mrs. Gardiner, Lady Catherine, Townsperson)
Vahishta Vafadari (Charlotte Lucas, Mary Bennet, Townsperson)
And special appearance by Christina Calvit (Mr. Darcy’s Housekeeper)

PRODUCTION TEAM:
Christina Calvit (Adaptor)
Dorothy Milne (Director)
Eric Backus (Sound Designer/Engineer)
Jennifer McClendon (Stage Manager/Lifeline Production Manager)
Sam Moryoussef (Lifeline Asst. Production Manager/Master Electrician)
Harrison Ornelas (Lead Video Editor/Lifeline Technical Director)

photos by Suzanne Plunkett

Pride and Prejudice
Lifeline Theatre, streaming online
Thurs-Sun beginning September 10, 2020
ends on October 4, 2020
for tickets, call 773.761.4477 or visit Lifeline

for more shows, visit Theatre in Chicago

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