Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” was brought to life on the opening night of Kent State’s School of Theatre and Dance’s second production of the season.
Performed in E. Turner Stump Theatre in the Center for Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m., Peyton Burnor as Elizabeth Bennet and Brad Motyer as Mr. Darcy starred in “Pride & Prejudice: The Musical.”
Directed by Fabio Polanco with the script, music and lyrics written by Lawrence Rush; the musical is set in 1800 England following Bennet, one of five sisters, as she writes her own path instead of conforming to society’s expectation to marry rich and settle.
When she meets Darcy, his ego and pride at first lead to a hatred of each other, but emotions soften as the musical goes on.
Attendee Kelly Cichy, a professor in the School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences, said she is an Austen fan “all the way.”
“It’s charming,” she said, giving her thoughts on the musical. “I think it’s a nice balance of the comedic but also the social comment. It feels very true to the book but also very accessible.”
Hayley Arnold, a professor of speech pathology and audiology, is also a big fan of the story. She has read the book and seen the movie adaptations several times but said she enjoys the musical rendition.
“It feels like the songs are the outlet for the social commentary that might not be in the traditional book,” Arnold said. “It’s very fun.”
Act I consisted of 14 songs, introducing each of the characters, building the backstory and starting to lead into the main plot. Act II rounded out the story with 16 songs, the last including the full ensemble and cast.
Angie Lowe said she came to the musical to see her nephew, Andrew Fitzgerald, who played Sir William Lucas, a comedic character and host of social events throughout the musical.
“I love it,” she said. “I’ve always gone and watched Andrew.”
Arnold said the musical was closest to the 2005 rendition of “Pride & Prejudice” starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.
“Layering on the music, it’s very fun,” she said.
With both first-time viewers of the story and fans of Austen in the audience, the musical brought in a large crowd for opening night. Performances will continue until Sunday, Nov. 3. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Performing Arts box office.
Lauren Cohen is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
