A night of wit, jests and drama, Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” opened Friday, April 18 in the Wright-Curtis Theatre.

With additional performances being held through Sunday, April 27, the School of Theatre and Dance presented Joseph Hanreddy and JR Sullivan’s adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” for its annual Roe Green Visiting Director Series. 

Visiting from Milwaukee, Hanreddy also served as this year’s guest director, and his adaptation has been performed all over the country.

“Austen was a realist writer,” said Hanreddy. “She was looking less at a traditionally romantic view of love, but rather what love is like in the real world with real considerations, such as compatibility, financial security, social connections and the in-laws one inherits.”

In search for husbands, the story followed the five Bennet sisters in their marital matchmaking turmoil.

“This adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ will certainly surprise those who have read the book,” said Joshua Brown, the stage manager. “The play flows in a way that is not subdivided by chapters or even scenes. Each piece of the play flows directly into another.”

A combination of misguided impressions and surprising revelations were strung throughout the play.

“There was not a single dull moment,” said Rachel Drenchko, 19, a freshman fashion merchandising major. “They did a great job reenacting my favorite Jane Austen story.”

The early 19th-century tale was told through issues of manners, morality and marriage.

“Although the set is minimal and the costumes do not change very often,” Brown said, “the production itself is very large in its story and relatable emotions.”

The cast continued to receive positive reactions from the audience, including Jackie Myers, 21, a junior business management major.

“There’s something about ‘Pride and Prejudice’ that everybody can relate to,” Myers said. “I thought the cast did an amazing job bringing the story to life.”

Swallowing his pride and rethinking her prejudice, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s romance kept the audience enticed until the end.

“Each of these actors have been given an environment and a character, and they get to run with it and express their passion for their craft,” said Brown. “It will be truly beautiful to behold.”

In its 11th year, the Roe Green Visiting Director Series was established in 2003 supported by local arts patron Roe Green.

“The students are very generous with each other and me, as well as tremendously talented and very committed,” said Hanreddy. “It’s been a terrific experience.”

To purchase tickets online, visit kenttheatre.tix.com.

Contact Lily Martis at [email protected].