High expectations welcome at Booth Tarkington Theatre

By CARRIE NEAL
A Seat on the Aisle

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to present a classic love story – and what a love story!

Pride & Prejudice has become so beloved as to have almost become ubiquitous, and all fans have their favorite version. Many viewers of a certain age fondly recall the iconic moment when Colin Firth removed his shirt to dive into the lake in the BBC adaptation, and my daughter has watched the Kiera Knightley version more times than I can count. Then there are the contemporary takes on the story, such as Bridget Jones’s Diary, starring Renee Zellweger and you guessed it, Colin Firth.

As with any revered piece of art, people will come in with high expectations, and happily, Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre and director Emily Rogge Tzucker are able to meet those expectations handily. One feels a sense of familiarity as the lights come up: in addition to the well-known material, the jewel-toned colors on the backdrop, the spare set pieces, and the transition by a string quartet playing modern pop songs have been used before on the Civic stage to great effect and are very impactful here, as well.

Costume design by Adrienne Conces is ingenious, with smart jackets for daytime buttoned over the ladies’ gowns, which can be removed onstage when they go to a ball (this happens fairly often). The gentlemen wear the appropriately Regency-styled clothing with panache.

Tanner Brunson as Mr. Darcy and Carly Kirby as Elizabeth Bennet. (Photo provided by Civic Theatre)

The story, of course, revolves around the spark between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, and in Carly Kirby and Tanner Brunson, director Tzucker has found her perfect match. The tempestuous nature of their relationship entertains from the moment of their first encounter, and becomes truly moving by the time of the show’s denouement. As the secondary leads, Julia Ammons is a simply lovely Jane Bennet and is well-matched with Louis Soria, who is a delightful Mr. Bingley.

Standouts within a strong cast: as Mr. Collins, Matt Anderson delights as always, with over-the-top gestures and physicality that somehow seem just right. Kelsey VanVoorst, usually cast in comedic roles, is humorous here as well but also has some wonderfully touching moments in their portrayal of Charlotte Lucas. And finally, Daniel Wilke is a debonair breath of fresh air as Mr. Wickham.

I have only one quibble with this darling production, and that is the bells. I’ve been told that they’re part of the script, but all of the characters ringing little bells throughout the course of the play proved to be quite a distraction, particularly during act two; every time I was swept away on a wave of emotion (and I did tear up at least twice), the bells would start ringing again and kill the mood, sometimes even obscuring dialogue. Very interesting choice by author/adapter Kate Hamill.

But this is still a stellar production and a must-see for both fans of Jane Austen and those yet to become familiar with her work. And it goes without saying, this would be an ideal choice for a Valentine’s date night.

Pride & Prejudice runs Feb. 7 to 22 at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre on the Knebel Stage. Tickets are available online at civictheatre.org.

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