By Jennifer Mustoe
Pride and Prejudice has been done, and done, and done, onstage and onscreen, but you mustn’t miss Utah award-winning playwright Melissa Leilani Larsen‘s wonderful adaptation being performed only three more times at Creekside Theatre Fest in Cedar Hills, Utah. Jane Austen‘s Pride and Prejudice shares the story of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Bennet, played by the winsome, delightful Becca Ingram and her remarkable and often comical family and those whom she shares her romantic and sometimes frustrating story.
Note: I am sharing little to none of the plot. I am focusing on the play of the play. The story is one of true love, disdain turned to love, marriage without love, and so forth, as told in true Austen, Georgian Era, oh-so-British gentility and restraint. Summarizing briefly for those unfamiliar with the plot, which my daughter-in-law Hannah Mustoe is one, Lizzie has four sisters, all needing marriage to survive as per required in this era. Curses! Five daughters? What is a rather off-beat (meaning drunk or sleeping (it off?) father (Kye Tanner–who is fantastic) and a frantic mother, the hilarious Jayne Luke to do? When the rich, jovial Charles Bingley, played charmingly and adorably by Bryan Johnson, arrives on the scene, Mrs. Bennet can’t wait to nab him for one of her daughters. He is accompanied by the laconic, aloof, grump Fitzwilliam Darcy (Jon Liddiard), who brings a humanity to the role I’ve not seen before. Kat Balenzategui, humorous and nerdy Mary Bennet; Lydia Bennet, played with bratty flirtatiousness by Bo Chester; flamboyant, kooky Kitty Bennet (Joleah Long), and the lovely and gracious Jane Bennet (Shaylia Johnson) round out the Bennet crew and each play their part with authenticity, bringing familiar delight to their multi-layered particular stories. All contribute to the drama, humor, and romantic sweetness and heartbreak of Pride and Prejudice. I particularly loved the true felicity (listen for this word from the script), warmth, and love demonstrated in the Bennet clan. Larson has picked the best bits of the story and uses many of the best lines from the novel. This adaptation is truly sublime.
Various other characters arrive on the scene, the haughty, completely two-faced Caroline Bingley, played with more vulnerability than I’ve seen by Whitney Black. Larson’s handling of Caroline’s role evidences this well. Trystan Roberts sells the oily George Wickham, the rake we love to mistrust if not hate. A true standout in the show, Kristian Huff as the geekified and cringey William Collins is a credit to his craft. Every line, every movement is sheer delightful and groan-inducing. The hapless Charlotte Lucus, Lizzie’s dear friend, is played with a touch of humor and sweet friendship as well as the sedate efficiency that is Charlotte by Jen Spongberg. Haughty Lady Catherine De Bourgh (Luone Ingram), Colonel Fitzwilliam (Chris Olson), Anne DeBourgh (Berlyn Johnson), and Georgiana Darcy (Kaelynn Bybee) complete the cast.
Costumes by Jess Wallace are yummy. Hannah and I dressed up to feel part of the experience, but well, the costuming in this show is not just authentic, but produced jealousy in both of us. Lighting by Olson is perfect, especially considering this is an outdoor theater and the show begins at dusk and ends after dark. Sound Design by Jake Allen is effective and set by Brian Hadfield is inventive. Music by Zach Hansen and Maren Hansen shines, as music is quietly played throughout the show, and lends verve and emphasis to the humor and various emotions we see. And, as told to me by Artistic Director Jordan Long, the music is all original and delightfully adds to this production.
Creekside Theatre Fest’s ensemble is Jayne and Luone are also in Steel Magnolias, Joleah Long is in Romeo and Juliet and Mad Libs LIVE, and the rest of the cast members are all also in Romeo and Juliet.
Much acclaim and admiration for Ben Henderson, whose direction is quite brilliant. All the actors are onstage most of the time in the background, like a live set, creating vignettes, additional story, speaking lines in turn, and adding what can only be called support. This is an inventive and unexpected addition and not only did it make it easier for the actors to move from upstage to downstage, which is an outdoor theater built at Heritage Park in Cedar Hills, but make sure you watch what else is going on upstage. Lots of funny moments. (Keep an eye on Mary when she’s near the “pianoforte.”)
There was a good crowd at Pride and Prejudice, audience members on camp chairs and blankets. Many brought snacks and dinner, though there is candy for sale at the entrance. I’ll say with cheer, there were no bugs in the air where we sat. (Yes!) There was a smattering of children in the crowd, but most were adults, and with what seemed obvious familiarity with the story–anticipatory laughs happened throughout the night. Leilani’s version of this beloved story is well worth your time and it is a thoroughly enjoyable evening. There are performances for all shows, so check out their website and enjoy some fun and beautiful productions in a lovely setting.
Pride and Prejudice, by Melissa Leilani Larson.
Creekside Theatre Fest, Heritage Park, 4425 W Cedar Hills Dr, Cedar Hills, UT 84062 (Follow signs–the parking lot fills up fast, but there is lots of parking across the street.)
Fri, Jun 18-Wed, Jun 30, 2021 7:30 PM
Tickets: Adult $18, Senior/Student: $15, Children 11 and Under $12 Season Tickets Includes one ticket to all four shows Adult $60, Seniors/Students $48, Children 11 and Under: $40
Contact: creeksidetheatrefest@gmail.com, 801-899-5135
Creekside Theatre Fest Facebook Page
0 Comments