Jungle Theater Celebrates the Holidays with Premiere of THE WICKHAMS: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY

This holiday season, the Jungle Theater presents THE WICKHAMS: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY, a companion to last year's wildly popular Miss Bennet - both continuations of Jane Austen's beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice. Starring Angela Timberman as the adored housekeeper Mrs. Reynolds, the play's action takes place in the cozy warmth of the Pemberley kitchen where the servants are bustling with holiday preparations. Directed by Christina Baldwin, this co-commission, co-world premiere (with Chicago's Northlight Theater and the Bay Area's Marin Theatre Company) runs December 1-30 at the Lyn-Lake neighborhood theater, located at 2951 Lyndale Ave. S. in Minneapolis.

In the second Austen adaptation written by the esteemed duo Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, the Christmas tale takes a look downstairs at Pemberley. There, characters both familiar and new find themselves in the midst of a holiday scandal where family secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested - but love and affection prevail! Full of mirth and wit, The Wickhams explores what it means to truly give, in the season of giving.

"I like to call this a 'side-quel,'" said Baldwin, who also directed 2017's Miss Bennet. "It takes place at the same time as the first play but offers a different perspective. It's another lovely facet to the Jane Austen holiday jewel."

Sun Mee Chomet (Elizabeth Bennet Darcy), Kelsey Didion (Lydia Bennet Wickham) and James Rodríguez (Mr. Darcy) return to this highly-anticipated companion piece. Nate Cheeseman (Lone Star Spirits) joins the cast as the unabashed George Wickham, and Roshni Desai and Jesse LaVercombe make their Jungle debuts as servants Cassie and Brian.

Baldwin's creative team features the talents of Sarah Bahr (costumes), Marcus Dilliard (lighting), Annie Enneking (fight choreographer), Robert Grier (wigs), Sean Healey (sound), John Novak (properties) and Chelsea M. Warren (sets).

"We're so excited to bring The Wickhams to life! Miss Bennet is now one of the country's most produced plays and we're confident that this play will enjoy equal popularity and success as a new holiday classic, thanks to the extraordinary playwriting gifts of Margot and Lauren," said Jungle Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen.

The Jungle offers post-show Stay Late discussions after every performance of The Wickhams to give audience members the opportunity to ask questions and talk about the play's themes. Performances are Tuesdays ($40), Wednesdays ($40), Thursdays ($40), Fridays ($50) and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. ($50), and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ($45) with no performance on Christmas (December 25). Preview performances ($15) are November 28-29 at 7:30 p.m. Rush tickets are offered every night of the week, based on availability two hours prior to the performance, and there is special Friday night pricing for students, 55408 neighborhood residents and employees, and those under 30 years of age. Tickets and more information are available at (612) 822-7063 or online at www.jungletheater.com. Connect with the Jungle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @jungletheater

About the Jungle Theater

The Jungle Theater is a neighborhood theater with a national impact. As one of the region's most dynamic theaters, the Jungle is known for its definitive productions, exquisite design, masterful acting and compelling storytelling. Since its founding in 1991, the Jungle has been a flagship example of the transformative power of the performing arts, playing a vital, continuing role in the economic, social and cultural life of its Minneapolis Lyn-Lake neighborhood.

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