Production photo of the cast of Austen’s Pride by Phillip Hamer
Characters come off the page for Stages St. Louis’ Austen’s Pride. This new musical adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, now onstage at the Ross Family Theatre at the Kirkwood Arts Center (210 E. Monroe Ave.), is being presented here before embarking on a multi-city national tour and heading to Broadway.
Quixotic, and charming, the adaptation breathes new life into Austen’s classic work. Director Igor Goldin’s interpretation strips away the layers, allowing audiences to see Jane Austen as an artist struggling to hone her craft.
This redux also eliminates any signs of age. Still enjoyable and relevant, this classic tale has been presented in so many formats since its publication that any new versions of it may seem trite or redundant.
Happily, Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs’ book saves the day. It keeps the pace brisk, the humor plentiful, and the romance lively.
The musical wraps Austen’s journey to writing her second novel with the events of Pride and Prejudice, creating a story within a story narrative. Fans of the book will not be disappointed as the smoldering romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy is also depicted with plenty of angst and yearning.
The musical opens with Jane struggling to present a new book to her publisher. She has ideas but isn’t thrilled with what she’s penned so far.
Luckily, as she writes, the drama literally plays out onstage, allowing the author to interact with her creations physically. Thus, as Jane tinkers with the story, she becomes intertwined with Elizabeth and her creations.
By breaking the fourth wall, Austen uses her own experiences to guide her plot developments, freeing her to craft the story she wants to tell. One with passion, desire, longing that also speaks to issues of class, marriage, and societal roles.
However, Jane’s every whim is challenged by her characters themselves, who suggest alternative courses of action. This leads to many of the production’s funniest moments.
Although this invigorating take on Austen and her work is accompanied by a sumptuous score, fantastic costumes, and dazzling choreography, it’s the work of its amazing ensemble that gives the production its heart and soul.
Olivia Hernandez is excellent as Jane Austen. Cerebral yet breezy in her performance, she weaves around her castmates with ease as she brings creator and creation into direct contact. Her dynamic performance is the glue that holds the entire show together.
Delphi Borich shines as Elizabeth Bennet. A marvelous singer, her scenes with Hernandez and Dan Hoy (Mr. Darcy) are fantastic.
As for Hoy, his Mr. Darcy remains just as dashing and kind as he does in the novel. However, for the musical, he ramps up vulnerability. The charismatic lead can also sing, as evidenced by his two standout musical numbers, “The Proposal” and “Fine Eyes.”
Supporting them with great turns onstage are Michael Burrell, who is delightfully unscrupulous as the dastardly ne’er-do-well George Wickham, and Paul Castree, who is superb as the gleefully annoying Mr. Collins. Also shining is Sally Wilfert, who provides hilarious over-the-top shenanigans as Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Profusely romantic with comedic flourishes, Austen’s Pride is a witty and tender work of theater. Highlighted by several catchy songs, (including “Silly Girls,” “My Dream,” “Take A Walk,” and “I Can’t Resist A Redcoat”), this highly entertaining show is a witty and fun celebration of Austen and her writing.
Austen’s Pride is onstage at the Ross Family Theatre at the Kirkwood Arts Center through August 24th. For tickets and more information visit https://stagesstlouis.org/ | Rob Levy
