Two centuries since it was first published, Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” still appeals to us. Through numerous film, TV and theatrical adaptations – including ones with zombies – audiences have yet to tire of Elizabeth Bennet and her gradually growing affection for Mr. Darcy.
“Pride and Prejudice” is especially beloved by a certain educated set of women who first encountered this Regency era novel of manners as teenagers. These same women may find themselves relating to Mary, the middle daughter of the Bennet family, in her transformation as the protagonist of “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley.” This unofficial sequel to “Pride and Prejudice,” penned by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, has taken up residence at Virginia Rep’s November Theatre just in time for the holidays.
It’s been two years since the end of Austen’s novel, and four of the five Bennet sisters have gathered at the Darcy estate for Christmas. Elizabeth (Ally Farzetta), the hero of “Pride and Prejudice,” is now happily married to Mr. Darcy (Britt Michael Gordon); Jane (Patricia Austin), the eldest daughter, is happily married to Mr. Bingley (Cameron Nickel) and pregnant. Lydia (Naomi Bertha), the youngest sister, is as headstrong and flirtatious as ever, pretending that all is well in her marriage to George Wickham.
But this story centers on Mary (Emily Franch), the serious middle sister who enjoys reading, playing the pianoforte and moralizing to her family. While Mary has never been shy about speaking her mind, she’s come into own these past couple years. Though her sisters want her to find love, Mary is content with becoming a bookish spinster … that is, until Lord Arthur (Lukas D’Errico) crashes the proceedings. This intellectual but socially awkward friend of Mr. Darcy seems like he would be the perfect match for Mary, if only other people – and they themselves – stopped getting in the way.
Under the direction of Sharon Ott, the well-cast ensemble is charming, with Franch and D’Errico’s scenes having the sweet earnestness of young love. The cast is uniformly funny, with each getting their moments to shine; the late addition of Tatjana Shields as Anne de Bourgh, a woman convinced that she and Arthur are engaged, adds some energy and intrigue to the proceedings. Overall, the show is unstuffy, and a warmer, lighter affair than you might imagine.
Mercedes Schaum’s period set blends well with the classicism of the November Theatre, and Lynne M. Hartman’s lighting adds beautifully to scenes. Carolan Corcoran’s costume design of Regency dresses, cutaway coats and cravats reflect the period while also speaking to each character’s personality.
While it isn’t mandatory to re-read or watch an adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” beforehand, perusing the synopsis doesn’t hurt; those who are more familiar with the novel will pick up references that the playwrights have planted.
In telling the stories of two inelegant people who find each other while navigating social expectations, “Miss Bennet” humorously bridges Austen’s time and our own.
Virginia Rep’s “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” plays through Jan. 1 at the November Theatre, 114 W. Broad St. For more information, visit va-rep.org or call (804)282-2620.
