In this time of war and strife around the world it is nice to reflect on simpler times when the only thing a lady had to worry about was who they were going to marry.
Jane Austen’s classic Sense and Sensibility, on stage at the Studio Theatre starting this week, offers a lovely escape from modern day woes.
The unique and simple set design by Curt Sprickerhoff makes it perfect for travelling if the play is chosen for the provincial festival when the zone festival is held here later this spring.
And the costumes are of a most authentic style, all designed by Christa Obergfell.
As the scenes change, drawings from Austen’s book appear in the large ornate picture frame on the wall.
Periodically the pages of a large book in the background are turned by one of the servants showing images depicting stages of the story.
The title of the cloth covered front cover of the book says simply “By a Lady.”
“It is all Jane Austen would allow until her brother convinced her to take credit for the book,” says director Becky Strickland, who expressed her gratitude for the backstage crew for their work on the production during Monday’s dress rehearsal.
Sense and Sensibility is lively and dynamic adaptation of Jane Austen’s story about the Dashwood sisters Elinor, played by Kathleen Macdonald, and Marianne, played by Jennifer McPhee, who find themselves captivated by two very different men.
Sensible Elinor is charmed by the quiet, bumbling goodness of Edward Ferrars, played by Colin Sanford, while passionate Marianne, played by Jennifer McPhee is swept off of her feet by the dashing and mysterious Willoughby, played by Scott Smithson.
But when Willoughby’s scandalous past and Edward’s secret fiancee come to light, the sisters are forced to rely upon themselves and one another to weather their heartache — and learn that when sense and sensibility meet, love can’t be far behind.
In addition to the main characters the large cast includes Sylvia Swift as Mrs. Henry Dashwood; Chris Armstrong as John Dashwood; Heather Goodall as Mrs. John Dashwood; Brad Lawryk as Sir John Middleton and the doctor; Sheryl-Lynn Lewis as Lady Middleton and Mrs. Ferrars; Sandi Alaric as Mrs. Jennings; Terry Lyons as Colonel Brandon; Mark Berezan as Robert Ferrars; Brian Durrell as the footman and the gardener; Haley Tazelaar as the lady’s maid; and Shina Dubielew as Lucy Steele and Miss Grey.
Sense and Sensibility will be on stage at the Studio Theatre April 30 to May 3, May 7 to 10, and May 14 to 17.
The play will also be participating in the Central Interior Zone Festival May 28-31 in Williams Lake.