Review of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE at the Northlight Theatre
The Chicago Tribune likes it, seemingly in spite of itself.
This version of “Pride and Prejudice” is a domestic epic in all its showcase glory. And given the sterling Chicago cast looking thoroughly secure in their solid work, it will be exactly what many people will be hoping to see.
There are few surprises. But the show — which I suspect will become one of the best-selling productions in Northlight’s history — comes with many pleasures. Amster’s direction might not scream innovation, but it surely comes with smarts and a delightful lightness of touch.
October 13th, 2005 at 9:13 am
I saw it Sunday night and it was splendid. Yes, there were little things I could quibble about (Lady Catherine and Col Fitzwilliam), but overall, it was charming and delightful. Nick Sandys gave Darcy a brilliant transformation from the proud, arrogant man to one very much violently in love. I totally agree with the reviewer’s assessment of Mrs. Bennet - she had my daughter rolling in the aisle. Mr. Bennet was understated, but effective, in my opinion. Mr. Collins was a surprise (he is the bald one in the third clip below), but he nailed the performance and any prejudice against his initial looks gave way to proper appreciation.
Here is a link for three clips from the production. Lizzy and Wickham, Lizzy and Wickham, and at the Netherfield Ball. Although the stage squeaks in the clip, it was not noticeable in the production.
http://www.stagechannel.com/content/video/previewtab.htm?production_id=806
October 19th, 2005 at 1:59 am
Selena,
Curious what your problems were with the Caroline/Lady Catherine track?
October 22nd, 2005 at 10:46 pm
She was wonderful as Caroline - the puppy-dogging of Darcy, the barbs at Elizabeth and the general snobbery of Caroline were spot on. The problems I had were not that the same actress played LC:
1) the make up. As LC, her face was practically painted white with grey lines running down the hollows of the cheek to simulate an older character. It came across to me (and my husband particularly mentioned it as the #1 thing he didn’t like) as a terrible make-up job. Indeed, I was so distracted by the make-up, it took away from the rest of the performance.
2) over-characterization. The character was totally overblown. Yes, LC is dictatorial and arrogant, but this made a farce of it. It could have been more underplayed - or not so played for getting audience laughs as for getting the audience to detest the character.
It was during the LC scenes that my disbelief was not suspended and I fully knew I was at a play rather than being in raptures for being at P&P - if that makes sense.
A further note on Wickham, which I know I didn’t mention in this particular post, but might have on another. The clips show him when he first addresses Lizzy. It was very interesting in the final meeting before the regiment leaves for Brighton how he insinuates himself into her personal space. She knows what he is at this time and you just cringe as he tries to get close to her. Most effectively done.
All in all, I loved the play and would see it again in a heartbeat if I could find the time. I do highly recommend it to anyone in the Chicago area.