Front Row Reviewers

The Heritage Theatre’s Pride & Prejudice in Perry, Utah Brings Great Literature to Life

Front Row Reviewers

Front Row Reviewers

By Leah Checketts

Pride & Prejudice is the opener for the 2018 season of The Heritage Theatre in Perry, Utah, and it gives the audience a cultured bit of literary dazzle. In such a quaint venue, the cast and crew create a delightful production that envelops the audience and keeps them captivated.

From the very first moment, the different entrances and exits throughout The Heritage Theatre bring the characters to life. While many of the cast members are young, they play very well against each other and it is very easy to see the bonds established between characters and how they change as the plot is progressing. Because Pride & Prejudice is a classic, the language feels somewhat outdated at times, but keeps the focus on a time and a place far removed from the here and now.

Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, tells the story of a poor gentility family with five daughters to find husbands for. Their loves and losses are told with wit and poignancy.

Emily McCullam shines as Elizabeth Bennet. Her spunk and attitude have the entire audience falling in love with her. Katie Rose Ethridge plays a wonderful Jane Bennet, Elizabeth’s sister, in comparison. Elizabeth’s spark helps to showcase the sweet innocence and purity that is Jane. The other sisters, played by Sarah D’Aso, Makayla Thornley and Kate Olson show their own special affection for one another and also their very unique personalities. All five sisters work well together with the variety that adds to their presence on the stage.

Handsome and charming, Mr. Wickham (Bruce Baird) adds spice to the potential for romance and debauchery and, in contrast, Colten Lewis as Mr. Darcy, brings the proper attitude and appreciation to the nuances of being recognized as a wealthy member of the upper class. These young men woo the ladies, both those onstage and those in the audience, with their very opposing demeanors. As an audience member, I was not quite sure who was the hero and who the villain until the story unfolded more fully.

The elder Bennets, played by Brad McCann and Janine Mickelson, are delightful! The special insanity they each produce bring laughter throughout the production.

Director Shannon Cheney is touted as “making her directing debut” with this production. Having prior acting experience, Cheney has obviously expanded her abilities in a very positive direction. She was in attendance, mixing with the crowd during intermission, and proving her worth as a director.

Part of the charm of the production was the beauty and versatility of the costuming. The costumer used layers to create new looks and quick costume changes. Hats, scarves, gloves and jackets gave each costume the ability to become multifaceted while not leaving the stage. Costume designer Elise Woolstenhulme, with the assistance of Ann Bailey and Director Shannon Cheney created endearing images that take the audience from the outdoors to formal affairs with simplicity and ease.

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The set, designed and constructed by Scott Nelson with the assistance of Aaron EthridgeCody WrightBrock CheneyMiles Irvine and other cast members, is simple and straightforward, easily adjusted and adds just enough to each scene, while not taking up too much of the available space. A rear raised stage created a wonderful backdrop for further monologues and scenes within each scene.
Altogether, the lighting, sound and set throughout the space created an atmosphere that includes the audience, sometimes in startling manners, in the production.

With so many characters interacting and such a lovely use of space, Pride & Prejudice is a delight from start to finish. Come to The Heritage Theatre and find some gentility and wit right here in Utah.

The Heritage Theatre presents Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, adapted by Jon Jory
The Heritage Theatre, 2505 US-89, Perry, UT 84302
January 19-February 10, 2018 7:30 PM
Tickets:  $12.00 for adults,  $10.00 for children. Babes in arms and children under the age of four are not allowed
Contact: 435-723-8392
The Heritage Theater Facebook Page
Pride & Prejudice Facebook Event

 

Front Row Reviewers

Front Row Reviewers

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