“Pride and Prejudice”: Austen Alive and Well (and in Chula Vista)
Words by Kristen Fogle
Onstage Playhouse’s newest, “Pride and Prejudice”(directed by Sandra Lynn Krauss), promises: “All of the wit and romance of Jane Austen's classic 1813 novel come to life in this refreshingly fast-paced and engaging new adaptation.”
Perhaps not a new adaptation, the rest is true, and the popular story (if you are unfamiliar) is as follows. It is Hertfordshire, England in 1813, and in a family with four sisters who are expectantly waiting to find a suitor, Elizabeth Bennet just cannot seem to…well, follow suit. (Worse, her matchmaking mother tries to marry her off to a cousin to ensure that their estate remains intact.) However, it really becomes interesting when Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy—well off but with a complicated reputation to say the least. The question is if he can rid himself of his prideful ways and she of her prejudice toward him.
Austen’s classic is represented with all the colorful language and period-sensitive dress one might expect. It is also as fast paced as the above description assures. In the first act (and to a much smaller extent in the second), a large flat screen TV fills in the audience as to each location the action takes place in (of which there are many).
To call “Pride and Prejudice” truly engaging is where this gets tricky. On the one hand, there are many good actors and actresses on the stage (24 characters played by 15 actors, in fact). Among them, Kym Pappas was convincing as rebellious but good hearted Elizabeth…in fact all of the sisters played their respective roles very convincingly. Their mother was perhaps the most theatrical, and stage veteran Susan Stratton brought energy and vivaciousness to the stage in places where the pace could have grinded to a halt. Even smaller roles were delightful to watch. However, where there are some good faces, the length is where it is a bit difficult to fully engage. Running two hours and forty minutes, I would recommend the Sunday matinee—an 8 p.m. evening performance means you will be theater-ing until 11—essentially rendering the evening over after the curtain.
But truly, I am a fan of Onstage. The lobby always has a faint soothing smell of good caffeine, and the stage is of a long, rectangular shape that allows for so much action to take place (particularly at one time). Those who love Onstage will enjoy it even more when the place is given a face lift, through a redevelopment grant in the months to come. And also, after this run, the theatre will present two shows that are sure to be great: “The Diary of Anne Frank” and “The Elephant Man.”
Those that will find this tale a truly satisfying experience are tried and true fans of Austen’s work, of which there are many. As delightful as it is to read and re-read a favorite novel, there is nothing like seeing the action live, and a trip to Chula Vista’s cozy downtown theatre may be in order to glimpse a taste of Austen and the many fine actors that pull together to aide in this work.
Onstage Playhouse
Pride and Prejudice
Adults $16; Seniors, Students, and Active Military: $14
9/9-10/8
619-422-RSVP
www.onstageplayhouse.org
For the original article, please visit http://artsnfashion.com/index.php/component/content/article/49/109-pride-and-prejudice-review-by-kristen-fogle
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