We were amused by Chris Campbell’s review of P&P3, which included some editorial commentary that verged on the Machiavellian.

Here’s a little suggestion for men who derive entertainment out of seeing their better halves get steamed up.

Tell them that Matthew Macfadyen is better than Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy.

If they’ve seen both versions of Jane Austen’s classic novel, you WILL get a reaction and it will likely involve expletives you’ve never heard come out of their mouth before.

In my experience, women adore Firth as Mr. Darcy in the 1995 mini-series. I’ve heard it from female reporters, friends - even strangers in restaurants. The guy is a friggin’ icon.

We will go out on a limb and say that Mr. Macfadyen, though handsome and talented and whose fans are certainly enthusiastic, is not The New Colin Firth. We think that sobriquet belongs more properly to Richard Armitage in NORTH AND SOUTH. The excitement around his portrayal of John Thornton in that series has the same intensity we remember from the early days of the Firth!Darcy phenomenon. Now despise us if you dare!

Isabelle Carre, star of the films In His Hands (Entre Ses Mains) and The Plane (L’Avion) told The Age that Jane Austen is her favorite author.

Jane Austen, she says, is her favourite writer. She’s not sure which character she would choose to play if she appeared in an Austen movie, but there’s no doubt about her favourite male character. Mr Darcy, she says firmly. “He’s the man of my life.”

You and a million others, my dear!

Florida is becoming a hotbed of Austen-related stage productions! The Actor’s Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables, Florida, will present I LOVE YOU BECAUSE as part of their 2006-2007 season.

The musical sensation, I Love You Because (January 17-February 11, 2007) sets the pace for life’s romantic sketches on relationships in the 21st century. A gender-reversed modern day musical retelling of Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice, I Love You Because is set in New York City and follows Austin Bennet, a young greeting card writer whose life is turned upside down when he finds his long-term girlfriend Catherine in bed with another man. Forced back out into the treacherous New York dating scene, Austin meets Marcy Fitzwilliams, a flighty photographer whose spontaneity is matched only by her ability to drive him insane. This new musical comedy explores the ‘rules’ and nuances of dating and learning how to love someone, not in spite of their differences, but because of them. A modern day musical love story, I Love You Because is the newest Off-Broadway hit musical since I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change.

The Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida has announced a world premiere staging of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE as part of its 2006-2007 season.

Jane Austen’s classic novel comes alive, sparkling with wit and passion. An independent young woman has everything but romance on her mind when the enigmatic Mr. Darcy enters her world. Can they look beyond his pride and her prejudice to find true love?

No dates yet. There is contact information on the theatre Web site if one cares to harass the staff get on their mailing list.