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'Pride and Prejudice' charms at Shakespeare Theatre
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
By LIZ KEILL
MADISON -- Charming, charming, charming. What more can you say about this lively romp through one of Jane Austen's most beloved novels?
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, under artistic director Bonnie Monte's adaptation and direction, has maintained the delicate balance of all its characters with wit and style.
Austen's tale is one of "love conquers all," as Mrs. Bennet attempts to marry off all five of her daughters. Right from the start, the proud Elizabeth clashes with the prejudiced, class-conscious Mr. Darcy.
The cast is strong, headed by Victoria Mack as the willful Elizabeth Bennet.
Ms. Mack has graced the Shakespeare stage before, as Eliza Doolittle in "Pygmalion," as Rosalind in "As You Like It" and several other productions. She has the spark and grace to carry off this role. While not conventionally pretty, she is a striking actress.
Mr. Darcy is played by Marcus Dean Fuller, who smoothly glides from a distant, rude visitor to a young man in love.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are sheer delight. Edmond Genest, a favorite on this stage, has the perfect blend of exasperation and kindness to bring out every nuance a father figure caught up in a female world.
His wife, played with delectable, daffy flightiness by Monique Fowler is simply hilarious.
No doubt the part is written with such characteristics in mind, but Ms. Fowler seems to add an extra dimension, whether through exquisite timing or her breathless, fussy presence. She added much of that flavor to "The Rivals" earlier in the season.
Michael Stewart Allen as Mr. Collins, the rigid would-be suitor to Elizabeth, makes the most of the pompous quality of the role.
Now in his ninth season here, he once again demonstrates great versatility.
Elizabeth Shepherd, as Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has the staunch 'grand dame' manner that suits this snobbish part.
The Bennets' daughters are a lively group, with the lovely Jane played by Nisi Sturgis to the exuberant Lydia, played by Gardner Reed.
David Andrew MacDonald is leading-man handsome as Mr. Wickham.
Costumes by Kim Gill project the Regency period in soft pastels for the women and frock coats for the men.
Michael Schweikardt's set design conveys elegance. The actors do most of the moving of props and panels, as scenes shift back and forth between the Bennets' home and stately mansions.
Brenda Gray's lighting adds subtle allure to a backdrop of trees and blossoms. It's all enhanced with musical interludes during scene changes, thanks to Steven L. Beckel, and moments of dance choreographed by Cheryl E. Clark.
"Pride and "Prejudice" is a good three hours long, plus a 15-minute intermission.
The pace may pick up as the production continues. Never-theless, it's all so entertaining that the time generally flies by.
The play runs through Nov. 19, on the campus of Drew University, 36 Madison Ave. in Madison. For tickets, call 973-408-5600.
Ellie
'Pride and Prejudice' charms at Shakespeare Theatre
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
By LIZ KEILL
MADISON -- Charming, charming, charming. What more can you say about this lively romp through one of Jane Austen's most beloved novels?
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, under artistic director Bonnie Monte's adaptation and direction, has maintained the delicate balance of all its characters with wit and style.
Austen's tale is one of "love conquers all," as Mrs. Bennet attempts to marry off all five of her daughters. Right from the start, the proud Elizabeth clashes with the prejudiced, class-conscious Mr. Darcy.
The cast is strong, headed by Victoria Mack as the willful Elizabeth Bennet.
Ms. Mack has graced the Shakespeare stage before, as Eliza Doolittle in "Pygmalion," as Rosalind in "As You Like It" and several other productions. She has the spark and grace to carry off this role. While not conventionally pretty, she is a striking actress.
Mr. Darcy is played by Marcus Dean Fuller, who smoothly glides from a distant, rude visitor to a young man in love.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are sheer delight. Edmond Genest, a favorite on this stage, has the perfect blend of exasperation and kindness to bring out every nuance a father figure caught up in a female world.
His wife, played with delectable, daffy flightiness by Monique Fowler is simply hilarious.
No doubt the part is written with such characteristics in mind, but Ms. Fowler seems to add an extra dimension, whether through exquisite timing or her breathless, fussy presence. She added much of that flavor to "The Rivals" earlier in the season.
Michael Stewart Allen as Mr. Collins, the rigid would-be suitor to Elizabeth, makes the most of the pompous quality of the role.
Now in his ninth season here, he once again demonstrates great versatility.
Elizabeth Shepherd, as Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has the staunch 'grand dame' manner that suits this snobbish part.
The Bennets' daughters are a lively group, with the lovely Jane played by Nisi Sturgis to the exuberant Lydia, played by Gardner Reed.
David Andrew MacDonald is leading-man handsome as Mr. Wickham.
Costumes by Kim Gill project the Regency period in soft pastels for the women and frock coats for the men.
Michael Schweikardt's set design conveys elegance. The actors do most of the moving of props and panels, as scenes shift back and forth between the Bennets' home and stately mansions.
Brenda Gray's lighting adds subtle allure to a backdrop of trees and blossoms. It's all enhanced with musical interludes during scene changes, thanks to Steven L. Beckel, and moments of dance choreographed by Cheryl E. Clark.
"Pride and "Prejudice" is a good three hours long, plus a 15-minute intermission.
The pace may pick up as the production continues. Never-theless, it's all so entertaining that the time generally flies by.
The play runs through Nov. 19, on the campus of Drew University, 36 Madison Ave. in Madison. For tickets, call 973-408-5600.
Ellie
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