The candles are glowing … the Christmas tree is lit … the guests are arriving soon as the joyous holiday spirit abounds on an English countryside estate. It’s showtime at Playcrafters as the twists and turns of life and love take the spotlight in the charming stage production: “Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley” by playwrights Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon.
The light-hearted play is a riff on Jane Austen’s popular classic “Pride and Prejudice” and takes the lives of Jane, Lizzy, Mary, and Lydia and carries them into the future; though this time around, the story has more to offer than a mere 19th-century tome. While the audience will, undoubtedly, pick up the color and flavor of Austen’s endearing characters, the show is an altogether fresh version of the sisters’ lives and has been voted one of the “Top Ten Most Produced Plays in America” in 2018-2019.
Set in the 19th century in the English countryside at the Pemberley estate home of the second oldest sister Lizzy Bennett Darcy (played by Sandy Lawler) and her husband Fitzwilliam Darcy (played by John McGarry), the story begins when the family is preparing to host a lavish Christmas gathering in the Great room. With all of the sisters’ lives taking on a romantic partner — either past or present — they are all in attendance: Jane Bingley (played by Becky Gomezrueda); Charles Bingley (played by Evan Creedon); Lydia Wickham (played by Ally Batot); Arthur Debourgh (played by Drew Lichtenwalner). The bookish, serious and often ignored Mary Bennett (played by Sarah Buscalgia) finally may have a stab at romance … or will it be thwarted by a series of mishaps?
“It’s not a boring classic novel; it’s relevant and a fun, modern treatment that is very contemporary,” said Director Margo Weishar of the two-act performance with intermission.
The show’s comedic flavor lends much in the way of witty dialogue and to the sisterhood, whose hearts remain free to all of life and what it offers. This charming sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is truly a treat for all generations and its somewhat feminine energy will resonate with all women — old or young.
“It’s happy, uplifting, and warm,” said Weishar, “And you’ll walk away with a big smile on your face.”
If you go:
Playcrafters presents “Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley” @ The Barn, 2011 Store Road @Skippack Pike, Skippack.
Nov 22, 23; Dec 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 @ 8 PM and Nov 24; Dec 7, 8 @ 2 PM
Tickets: $24.00
610-584-4005
