Jane Austen's PRIDE & PREJUDICE Comes to Long Beach Playhouse

For its second show of the season, the Long Beach Playhouse presents an engaging new adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. In Jon Jory's reworking, all of the wit and romance of the novel comes to life in a fast-paced, humorous, and engaging production. Finding a husband is hardly Elizabeth Bennet's most urgent priority, but it is her mother's. And with Mrs. Bennet's overzealous match-making it's difficult to escape the subject.

When the independent-minded Elizabeth meets the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy, 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 actually find real love?

"Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice in 1813. For 200 years, readers of all ages have found charm and relevance in the story," said Madison Mooney, Executive Director for the Long Beach Playhouse. "Elizabeth Bennet has inspired generations of teenage girls who relate to her independence. This is a great show for mothers and daughters to see together."

Jon Jory's light touch in adapting the show wins accolades from audiences and theaters. Without changing the plot or the point, he finds ways to move the plot along in a way that is easy on the modern ear yet retains the charm of Austen's story.

Playhouse Artistic Director, Sean Gray, is tasked with overseeing the selections of each season's shows along with choosing the director, attending auditions and participating in the final casting. Added to that is overseeing the technical aspects like set design, sound and lighting. He is a frequent visitor to Donna Fritsche's shop as the costumes that will help the characters tell the story take shape.

"I'm really pleased and excited to present Pride and Prejudice," said Gray. "Our audiences love the classics. And they play to the strengths of the Playhouse. Nobody does it better than we do when it comes to ballrooms, ball gowns and romance."

The 14-member cast is a mix of debut performances and returning actors. Those making their debuts are Kimberly Connolly, Chaz R. Bright-Haup, Augusta Abene, Kaitlyn Smith, and Kerry Laughren Hedley. Returning actors are Maria V. Oliveira, Amara Phelps, Dakota Sioux, Micah Lee, David Clark Hutchison, Michael Kaye, Russell Malang, John Phelan and Jill Cary Martin.

The show opens November 3 and runs through December 1, 2018.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Thursday November 1 - community can see this production for whatever they can afford
• Two for One Preview Friday November 2 - Tickets are $10.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on November 3 - Tickets are $27.00

Friday: Adults are $20.00, Seniors $18.00, and Students $14.00Saturday and Sunday: Adults are $24.00, Seniors $21.00, and Students $14.00. Tickets are available at www.lbplayhouse.org, or by calling 562-494-1014,

Long Beach Playhouse is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90804, right across from the Long Beach Recreation golf course. The Playhouse is community-supported theatre with programs and events that cut across age, gender, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.

Performances are 8 p.m. Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3:00-8:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00-2:00 pm on scheduled matinees.

To post a comment, you must register and login.