Musical stage production of Pride and Prejudice in Ohio
The Ohio Light Opera of the College of Wooster in Ohio will present a musical stage version of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in July and August, 2006. From the company’s Web site:
What makes this production unique is that it exists in three worlds: Jane Austen’s world; the world of Pride and Prejudice, where the characters live out their story; and the combination of these two worlds, as Jane Austen writes the story and interacts and is inspired by her characters. However, the musical is not a biography of Jane Austen. It is a story of Pride and Prejudice. It is a story of live: the love an author has for her characters and the love the characters have for one another. The character of Jane Austen also works as a transition device. In the span of a sentence, a year can pass, a location can change, or a new character can be introduced.
As she puts ink to paper, Jane Austen narrates her tale of Pride and Prejudice. She introduces Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, an upper-class couple in rural England and their five eligible daughters. Mrs. Bennet is determined to marry them off, but the girls have no dowry. Jane solves the Bennets’ dilemma by bringing Mr. Bingley, a wealthy young man, to the nearby estate of Netherfield Park. Mr. Bingley is enamored with the Bennets’ eldest daughter, Jane, and is hopeful of soon seeing her happily married. As the story unfolds, we meet the snobby Mr. Darcy and the charming officer, Mr. Wickham.
The journey to the premiere of Pride and Prejudice has been one of love. The authors have tried to stay faithful to Jane Austen’s story and words while translating it into an American genra of musical theatre. “Our hope is that the audience will leave the theatre, not only having enjoyed an evening of entertainment, but also inspired to go out and read the novel and discover for themselves the genius of Jane Austen.” What a great way to introduce youngsters to one of the great classics.
Tickets are $39 for adults and $15 for students, and are available online. If any of our readers gets to see it, please send us your review.
