Gallery 7 Theatre opens its 2018-2019 “Back to Classics” theatre season with the Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice, starting Friday, Nov. 9.
The production, adapted by Canadian playwright Tom Wood, takes to the stage until Nov. 17 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre (2329 Crescent Way).
With her daughters reaching marriageable age and the family finances running dangerously thin, Mrs. Bennet endeavours to find the perfect match for each of her girls.
But her plans are stymied when Elizabeth, upon hearing not-so-kind comments from the surly and morose Mr. Darcy, develops a hostility towards the man.
Can the two overcome their personal pride and the prejudice they feel towards each other and discover true love?
“I think audiences will find our production to be a faithful adaptation of the Jane Austen classic novel,” said Ken Hildebrandt, Gallery 7 Theatre’s executive/artistic director.
“All your favourite characters are in this show, and I think people will really delight in Mrs. Bennet’s undying attempts to have her daughters marry the right gentleman and the electric relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.”
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The role of the independent-thinking Elizabeth Bennet is played by Shannon Tauber, who last appeared in Gallery 7 Theatre’s production of Enchanted April.
Playing the role of Fitzwilliam Darcy is Adriel Brandt, who last appeared in Gallery 7 Theatre’s production of The Mousetrap in May.
The cast also includes Shelley Picard (Mrs. Bennet), Lawrence Locke (Mr. Bennet); Sophie Heinrichs, Meghan Franklin, Keira Meredith and Dylan Schroeder (Jane, Mary, Lydia and Kitty Bennet, respectively); Brady Moore (Charles Bingley) and Todd Klassen (Rev. William Collins).
Rounding out the cast are Karis Duncalfe, Angel Duron-Heon, Kenzie Hall, Meghan Hanet, Evan Rau, Matthew Taekema, and Matthew Veenbaas.
Directing the cast of 17 performers, some of whom will be playing multiple characters, is Trinity Western University theatre graduate Nicola Prigge.
Prigge has extensive theatre experience as an actor, director and stage manager. She last appeared on the Gallery 7 Theatre stage as Sister James in the company’s production of Doubt, A Parable.
“One of the reasons I like this story is because it is realistic about the time it takes to undergo drastic internal change,” Prigge said.
“In the world of the play, we cover the span of about one year. In this time, we see Elizabeth’s heart make a complete U-turn, and her eventual opening up to love feels like coming home after a long journey. It is a soft, gentle falling into love.”
Pride and Prejudice runs Nov. 9, 10 and 13-17 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Nov. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the House of James (call 604-852-3701) or online at gallery7theatre.com.