Never satisfied
A reviewer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution thinks the production of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE currently being staged at the Alliance Theatre (which had previous runs in Arizona and California) is too much of a good thing.
The production’s energy level is so frenetic that you sit through the first half thinking that the convoluted story has been abridged and that Elizabeth Bennet (Julia Dion) and Mr. Darcy (Anthony Marble) will get on with their business of lovemaking with economy and efficiency. I wish.
Instead, nearly every plot point, every epistle, every ballroom revelation is recounted with obsequious loyalty to the source material. We’d be better served by a leaner, funnier script.
Beware, for that way lies madness and many Janeite shouting matches. 
Perhaps it is a truth universally acknowledged that a producer possessed of a good novel must be in want of a movie, play or musical.
Whatever. Where Austen is concerned, we may be better off getting back to the basics. If you don’t believe me, pick up a copy of “Persuasion” or “Emma.”
Well, of course.
We would love to hear from AustenBlog readers who have seen the play.
(Thanks to Alert Janeite Meghan for the link!)
January 29th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
A Janeite from Georgia who has seen the play at the Alliance. It was Wonderful!. I felt it’s strength was that it adhered very closely to the book and to Jane’s words as written. Of course it was condensed! But done in a very clever way that seamslessly wove the story together. However, I do have a small criticism of the way Elizabeth and Darcy were portrayed by the actors — E. was too gushy and D. was too rigid and cold.
February 7th, 2006 at 12:35 pm
I’m seeing this tonight. Should be fun!
February 7th, 2006 at 12:43 pm
Enjoy! Let us know what you think!
February 12th, 2006 at 8:12 pm
I saw the play yesterday and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The actor portraying Mr. Darcy is handsome and contrary to the reviewer’s opinion in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he didn’t seem too stiff to me. I thought he exuded the proper amount of staidness and reservation to be true to the character. If tonight were not the final night of performance, I’d recommend everyone who possibly could to see it.
February 14th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
I loved it! It brought a sense of humor and playfullness to it that the movies don’t really bring out. I wish I could see it again, but sadly it’s done.