Review of Wellesley Summer Theatre production of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
MetroWest Daily news has a glowing review of the Wellesley Summer Theatre production of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, about which we posted previously:
Entering a Jane Austen novel is akin to lifting off in a hot air balloon, say from the pastoral English countryside.
The familiar world fades, going into soft focus, as the world of conversation, wry wit, clever gossip and concern about romantic relationships becomes all. It’s almost an out-of-body experience, as the familiar physical world diminishes in proportion to the expanding universe of elegant talk and keen observations about each other’s romantic aspirations.
The Wellesley Summer Theatre’s production of “Pride & Prejudice,” adapted from Austen’s novel by the Summer Theatre’s Andrea Kennedy, offers this heady experience. It makes one feel — if only for as long as hot air balloons stay aloft — that this is closer to the essence of life than much of what we experience. And it makes one laugh out loud, at the wry humor certainly, but also from the freedom of floating in a lighter-than-air universe.
The same actor portrays Wickham and Col. Fitzwilliam, which makes sense from a stage direction point of view but from a Janeite point of view creeps us out. 
June 12th, 2005 at 3:55 pm
I’ve got my ticket already for next week!
June 12th, 2005 at 4:09 pm
Cool! I expect a full review.
June 12th, 2005 at 9:35 pm
I just stumbled upon this website and I thank Mags for posting information about the show. I hope that everyone who is able will get a chance to see it. I love the A&E movie. However, there is something magical about seeing Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship evolve right before your eyes.
I adapted and directed this production and I just wanted to speak to the comment about the casting of Wickham and Col. Fitzwilliam. While, I agree it is a little creepy, I think it works well for the play. Lydia and Georgiana Darcy are portrayed by the same female actor. Indeed, I tried to double characters that were set up as foils for one another. In all her books, Austen is concerned with morality and the consequences of bad decisions. Pride & Prejudice is no expection. Therefore, I thought by doubling such characters, the audience would see how people in similar circumstances react differently to certain situations and the way their choices effect the course of their lives. You will have to tell me if you find it effective. Sincerely, Andrea Kennedy, Associate Director, The Wellesley Summer Theatre Company
June 13th, 2005 at 12:02 am
Hi Andrea! Please don’t take my snark seriously. I have been sadly influenced by that scamp Mr. Tilney (though I adore him nonetheless). I wish I could see the play, and really don’t have a major problem with double casting–I see as much theatre as I can and I know it is a common practice. I think your idea of casting opposite types is quite interesting, too.