Imagine all the set pieces on a stage on wheels. And further imagine the cast moving all those props around as the action on the stage changes from scene to scene. Diane and I were delighted with this stage version of Jane Austen’s classic novel (which I reread before I saw this play). The story of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, whose father dies and leaves them, their young sister Margaret, and their mother, in financial difficulties reflects the harsh English society of 1811. Given their plight, Elinor and Marianne are open to marriage to a suitably wealthy man. But Jane Austen provides plenty of romantic difficulties. Marianne falls in love with a scamp named John Willoughby. Elinor falls in love with Edward Ferrars, a young man whose fortune is controlled by his mother who decides who he will marry.
Kristen Tripp Kelley (no relation) plays the sensible sister, Elinor. Renee Landigan–a friend of my daughter Katie–plays the flighty Marianne. The rest of the cast of the Irish Classical Theatre production play multiple roles (including pretending to be dogs!) with humor and cleverness. The sold-out performance we were part of didn’t seem 2 1/2 hours long because the action on the stage was so energetic. If you get a chance to see this play version of Sense and Sensibility, you’ll enjoy it. Are you a fan of Jane Austen? GRADE: A-
Not a fan of Austen. Her books bore me to death. Couldn’t care less who marries who. But glad you enjoyed the play.
Steve, Mark Twain once wrote: “Whenever I take up Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility, I feel like a barkeeper entering the Kingdom of Heaven. . . . Jane Austen . . .makes me detest all her people, without reserve.”
George, I have never read Jane Austen, though I have been meaning to read her few books from my wife’s collection. She is a big fan.
Prashant, you might enjoy Jane Austen’s novels of domestic life. I do.
I enjoy Austen, but I think she’s almost been fetishized in our culture—as if her early-19th century take on marriage is the last word on all things, romantic and otherwise. I’d like to see the play—I tend to enjoy “meta” productions where things like scenery and costume changes are part of the play itself.
Deb, Kate Hamil’s play energizes Jane Austen. The audience we saw SENSE & SENSIBILITY with gave the actors a standing ovation!
I am glad it was a lot better than the horrible play we saw this weekend. Hope it comes here.
Patti, you and Phil would love this version of Jane Austen on wheels!
So what was the horrible play? Give us all fair warning.
Patti, that play got pretty bad reviews when it opened here, despite the presence of Idina Menzel as star, Believe me, I know how you feel, as we’ve walked out of a number of plays at intermission over the years, The last was this British play about snooker (yes, Deb, snooker!) that the NY Times raved about, THE NAP. At intermission, I realized for once that Jackie disliked something more than I did, and offered to leave.
To be honest, the only Austen I’ve read was PRIDE & PREJUDICE, though I have seen movie versions of others, including SENSE & SENSIBILITY with Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. Frankly, I remember nothing about it. So no, not a fan, and like Deb I think the recent Austen thing has been way overdone. Glad you liked this one.
Jeff, part of the appeal of this play version–other than having the set pieces on wheels–was we saw this performance at the IRISH CLASSICAL THEATRE. It was the first time we saw a play at this venue and we loved the “in-the-round” seating. The actors were just an arms-length away!
We’ve seen a (probably) different Irish company here and I agree with you, the smaller venue, the production in the round, makes things more immediate and fun. We’ve also seen several productions at the Circle in the Square Theater in Midtown – all three plays of THE NORMAN CONQUESTS and Alison Bechdel’s FUN HOME. If you get seats in the first two or three rows the actors are practically in your lap!
Jeff, FUN HOME is coming to Buffalo in May and we have our tickets. Katie saw it in NYC a year ago and loved it!
Austin wrote 19th century soap opera, and was good at it. I’ve read just two, and that was enough. They are much more digestible on film, in my opinion. Not sure I’d want to sit through a play of an Austin novel.
Rick, the clever staging and exuberant energy of this play version of SENSE & SENSIBILITY would likely delight you and Barbara.
By the way, we had our first snow of the season here overnight, about an inch.
Rick, we had a foot of snow on the ground two days ago. But, after yesterday’s 60 degree temperatures and today’s 40 degree temp, we can see our lawn. But, more snow is forecast for next week. We’re not out of the woods, yet!
The 39 Steps stage play was done in much the same way, with actors (4 total) doing quick-change multiple roles, and shifting props and sets themselves. Energetic was the word as well. However, it would take more than that to convince me to consume Jane Austen in any form…couldn’t even stick with the classic film versions.
Art, I admit that Jane Austen is an acquired taste. I’d love to see 39 STEPS in this format!
I tried twice to read Pride and Prejudice, mostly because Rex Stout lauded it! I couldn’t make it to 20 pages! OYOH, I liked the Greer Garson movie a lot! Actors shoving props and furniture around doesn’t come off as clever staging to me; it comes off as stage hands being put out of work!
Bob, the actors and props work together to make SENSE & SENSIBILITY work. The stage hands show up at the Intermission to change some of the set pieces around.