Bergen to Star in Pride & Prejudice Reading; Lamos Directs

A reading of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, a musical written by Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs, will star Polly Bergen.

The reading, which will take place on February 15th and 16th, will feature Bergen (Follies) as Narrator, Catherine Brunell (Big River, Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Lydia, Marilyn Caskey (The Phantom of the Opera) as Mrs. Bennett, Walter Charles (The Apple Tree) as Mr. Bennett, Colin Donnell as Mr. Darcy, Sara Ford as Elizabeth Bennett, Jessica Grové (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Les Miserables) as Jane Bennett, Jayne Paterson (Jacques Brel) as Jane Austen and Aaron Tveit as Mr. Bingley.

Bergen starred as Elizabeth Bennett in First Impressions, the 1959 musical adaptation of the novel.

"What makes this new musical unique is that the writers have managed to combine three worlds: Jane Austen's world -- where she wrote and developed the characters behind a closed door; the world of Pride and Prejudice -- where the characters come to life; and the combination of the two worlds -- where Jane Austen writes the story, interacts with and is inspired by her characters," state press noes.

"This is the story of Pride and Prejudice. It is a story of love -- the love an author has for her characters and the love the characters have for one another."

Following the 2004 workshop with the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY the show had its world premiere in 2006 with The Ohio Light Opera. The reading is directed by Mark Lamos (Seascape, The Rivals) with Fred Lassen as Musical Director.  Lori Bajorek and Donald C Farber, Esq. are producer and executive producer, respectively.

Photo - Polly Bergen