Review: Pride And Prejudice at OSF in Ashland
Oregon Shakespeare Festival theatre is nestled right off of the main street. So the first thing I did when I arrived in Ashland, Oregon was to check out the locations of the Angus Bowmer, NewTheatre, and Elizabethan Stage/Allen Pavilion. I did not want to be rushing to the wrong theatre after a dinner or wine event.
I had the delight of seeing my first stage production of Pride And Prejudice at the Angus Bowmer last night. I have, of course, as a Jane Austin reader, seen film and TV adaptions. Ms. Austin only wrote six novels and many have been transformed into stage plays, TV and film. But by far, the most popular and widely read is Pride And Prejudice. It’s a wonderful novel with depth and insight about the 18th-century English society and a love story. For this production directed by Libby Appel, she choose Joseph Hanreddy, an J.R. Sullivan adaption. One of the major changes with this adaption is no narrator, in other versions a narrator tells us what has happened. Her desire was for this staging to weave together and flow.
Well she has done that and more. The Bennet Family consisting of Mr. & Mrs, Bennet and their five daughters enjoy their life at Longbourn, the family estate. Except for one minor problem which whenever Mr. Bennet’s passing would become a major problem. The estate would pass on to his male relative, his cousin, Mr. Collins. The mother and her daughters would/could become destitute with a small income. This is opening for the beginning and what follows is a sparkling and delightful show.
This production served like a preview of the 4th July fireworks. The acting and dancing lit up the stage. The cast of 24 are all first rate in their roles stating with Jane, Nell Geisslinger, who brings to light Jane’s goodness and model behavior as the oldest daughter. Elizabeth, portrayed by Kate Hurster, delivers the role with the vitality needed as the heroine in a society which had set roles based on your gender. Of course, Elijah Alexander as Mr. Darcy is everything we all have come to expect rich, handsome/prideful and difficult.
Before ending this review I have to mention two stand out performances. The first was James Newcomb as Mr. Collins who acts with such glee. His role as Mr. Bennet cousin is amusing. He’s a pompous clergyman full of his own self worth and eager to share his little knowledge with all. His first appearance he almost glides across the stage in all black outfit with huge white church collar. Mr. Collins emotes his words like pronunciations from upon high. When his actions or words have offend someone he places his hand over his heart and loudly proclaims he’s mortified. It’s hilarious.
Judith-Marie Bergan as Mrs Bennet is a whirlwind and her only desire is to see her daughters well-married and quickly. Ms. Bergan is able to show the mother’s batty and loving relationship with her family. Also, how her reality may change at a moment’s notice all based upon her daughters wedding chances.
In closing, P&P is a first rate show with superb directing by Ms. Appel. Wonderful period costumes fitting for the women and handsome outfits for the dashing gentlemen and Army officers in the production.
For more info about the entire lineup at OSF in Ashland, visit www.osfashland.org.
– Ethel W.
