Review: Pride and Prejudice (Lifeline Theatre)

  
  
Pride and Prejudice

Adapted by Christina Calvit 
   from the novel by Jane Austen 
Directed by Elise Kauzlaric
at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood (map)
thru June 10  |  tickets: $35   |  more info
  
  
  
  
  

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Regency charm in Rogers Park

Lifeline Theatre presents

Pride and Prejudice

Review by Lawrence Bommer

Hardly restricted to 19th century nostalgia and a long-gone world of county balls and subtle etiquette, Jane Austen’s mating masterpiece is perfect for the boards. “Pride and Prejudice” abounds with recognizable beaux and belles, whiplash plot twists, and acerbic psychological observation. At its crystal-clear core are characters, open-hearted or close-minded, you really care about by novel’s end.

Or play’s end, thanks to another perfect-pitch adaptation by the incredibly faithful (in spirit as much as style) Christina Calvit. All that her supple dramatization requires is an equally faithful—and forceful—staging by Elise Kauzlaric, top-drawer performances from an immaculately-cast ensemble, and inspired blocking that keeps the intrigues and intricacies flowing and at every moment makes it certain what’s at stake and who.

The engaging evening is skillfully narrated by the author’s witty, sprightly but fallible surrogate Elizabeth Bennet (who from time to time charmingly appeals to the audience for advice). The much-filmed and staged plot charts the complex courtship strategies pursued by vaporous Mrs. Bennet (Cameron Feagin in full fluster) and other proto-soccer moms to mate her five daughters. The urgency of her matchmaking is fueled by the fear that the Bennets’ entailed estate will fall into the clammy hands of Reverend Collins (self-caricaturing Phil Timberlake), a dweebish cousin who fancies the girls himself.

The title confesses the crucial temperamental clash that fuels the amorous misunderstandings. Elizabeth (Laura McClain, in a state of animated elegance) is prejudiced against the daunting pride of the better-born Mr. Darcy (Dennis Grimes, perfect at portraying his character’s self-protective diffidence, mistaken for arrogance). She’s more directly drawn to the handsome soldier Mr. Wickham (properly dashing and callow James Gasber).

Meanwhile Jane (lovely Amanda Drinkall), the eldest and most loving daughter, falls in love with local gentry Mr. Bingley (affable Michael J.L. Kronlokken), but friendship can’t flower when Jane faces richer rivals. Subplots abound, including the machinations of the reverend’s patrician and purse-proud patron Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Jan Sodaro, furbished with finery like a Spanish galleon) and the dangerous crushes that overwhelm silly Kitty Bennet (Kelsey Jorissen) and eventually expose a certain pretty-faced scoundrel. Propelling the scintillating story is the plentiful gossip of the Meryton locals who merrily push the plot along and reveal all the risks among the rituals. Wonderful work comes from Don Bender as the much put-upon Mr. Bennet, Chelsea Paice as jolly Charlotte Lucas and Cassidy Shea Stirtz as bookish or neurasthenic young ladies.

But Austen’s most original and enticing creations remain Elizabeth and Darcy. Like Shakespeare’s feuding Beatrice and Benedick, they’re too clever to fall in love too fast. Reflexively independent and intuitive, Elizabeth makes the mistake of relying too long on the wrong first impression. Darcy errs by forgetting that skepticism and seriousness can be wrongly discredited as secrecy and hypocrisy. But we just know they’re right for each other: For much of the tale it kills us how badly two dynamic partners pursue their own happiness (but then the artful author often leads the audience into the same misapprehensions as the characters).

Few writers know or love their ambivalent inventions more than Austen. Happily, they’re as richly real on stage as on the page. Kauzlaric and Calvit honor Austen’s detailed and absorbing world. As always, Lifeline Theatre makes it look as authentic as a time trip deserves—from Melania Lancy’s well-appointed, twin-level Regency set to Sarah Hughey’s lighting (flirtatious as a fan) to Bill Morey’s gorgeous Empire dresses and fashionplate Beau Brummel men’s wear. Everything works but, rightly so, we call it a play.

Rating: ★★★★

Pride and Prejudice continues through June 10th at Lifeline Theatre, 6910 N. Glenwood (map), with performances Thursdays and Fridays 7:30pm, Saturdays 4pm and 8pm, Sundays 4pm.  Tickets are $35, and are available by phone (773-761-4477) or online at OvationTix.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at LifelineTheatre.com.  (Running time: play length, which includes one intermission)

All photos by Suzanne Plunkett