Review of Asolo Repertory production of Pride and Prejudice
Jay Handelman reviews the Asolo Repertory’s production of Pride and Prejudice, currently on stage in Sarasota, Florida. First he points out a common problem with just about any literary adaptation:
There have been more than a dozen stage adaptations of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” and none of them has ever approached the popularity of the book. This sweeping story of romance in early 19th century has so much to tell that it’s nearly impossible to get it all onto the stage in any way that matches the grace of Austen’s classic novel. Transforming all the wonderfully expressive, internal thoughts of the characters into something dramatic on stage represents a formidable challenge.
Tell us about it, bubba.
Catherine Sheehy’s new version, commissioned by the Asolo Repertory Theater, gets in most of the major plot lines and some minor subplots, but relies too heavily on narration. The audience is told what happened rather than seeing events unfold. And director Mark Rucker, Sheehy’s longtime collaborator, tends to have his cast members line up to have conversations, diminishing any sense of natural exchanges.
[. . .]
The three-hour running time gives the playwright a chance to deal with a lot of the story, but Sheehy has not found a way to also get the audience to really care about Austen’s characters.
Well, it’s early yet. We hope some of our Gentle Readers get to see this production and send us a review!
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I’m going to see it Tuesday with my son’s English class! Woot! Will send along a review afterwards.