Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center's premier Senior COMPANY presents Pride and Prejudice, April 8th and 9th at 7:00pm; and April 9th and 10th at 2:00pm. All of the wit and romance of Jane Austen's classic 1813 novel come to life in this refreshingly fast-paced and engaging adaptation, directed by Gregory Magyar, KVPAC's Performing Arts Director and Executive Artistic Director.
"Pride and Prejudice offers a story with a large cast of characters giving great opportunities for a large number of our young actors," explains Magyar on why he chose this particular play. "Moreover, Jane Austen's characters are so richly developed that actors have a wealth of material to draw upon in creating and developing their roles onstage."Synopsis: Finding a husband is hardly Elizabeth Bennet's (Danielle Grisko) most urgent priority. But with four sisters, an overzealous match-making mother, and a string of unsuitable suitors, it's difficult to escape the subject. When the independent-minded Elizabeth meets the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy (Chris Mason), she is determined not to let her feelings triumph over her own good sense -- but the truth turns out to be slipperier than it seems. In a society where subtle snubs and deceit proliferate, is it possible for Elizabeth and Darcy to look beyond his pride and her prejudice, and to make the best match of all?
"This has been an incredible learning experience for the cast," Magyar continues. "Pride and Prejudice relies heavily on the period language and narration to convey the story. These young actors have had to learn to keep both the narration and their long phrases alive with character intentions and actions. A great lesson for actors, of course, but it is an equally important life lesson in communication."KVPAC's Performing Arts Department has produced more musical theatre productions than straight plays in its past, and thus this semester chose to explore the offerings of more classical literature. "Musicals require skill sets to be successful, for sure," says Magyar. "But often times in musicals the dialogue takes a backseat to the production numbers. In a way, the actors get a certain kind of break from their characterizations when the musical numbers come into play. With a non-musical script, the actors are required to give full focus to the arc of the story and the development of their characters. They have really stepped up to the challenge, and it is gratifying for me to see them delve more deeply into their roles."
This particular non-musical production features the final performance of ten year KVPAC student-veteran, Chris Mason as Mr. Darcy. Chris' Mother, Kristin Miller, KVPAC's Community Outreach Director, was one of the original founding members of KVPAC along with ten other artists. "Chris literally grew up on the stage," Miller recalls. "His first class at KVPAC was the first class at KVPAC." "The stage used to be a 10x10 piece of carpet and a shower curtain hung between two book cases," remembers Chris, who was born in Salt Lake City and moved to Katy when he was 2. "KVPAC has come a long way since then."Chris holds the record of the longest running COMPANY member. (This year will be his tenth!) He proudly has over 70 titles to his credit from KVPAC, Masquerade Theatre, and Cinco Ranch High School Theatre Department. Chris hopes to attend Santa Fe College in the fall and major in Theatre.
KVPAC is a 501c3 Non-profit Arts organization in Katy for both children and adults. Tickets for Pride & Prejudice are $10/adults and $8/students online at www.kvpac.org. Pre-sales are encouraged as there is limited ticketing available at the door.
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