Cast shines in Pride and Prejudice

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PrideJane Austen classic runs until March 24 at Globe Theatre

Arielle Zerr
Contributor

Has your mother ever pressured you to “just get married already?” If you answered yes to this question, then you should head on down to the Globe Theatre to catch Pride and Prejudice, because Mrs. Bennet is going to make your mother look like an absolute treat.

The Globe is known for its exceptional theatre and Pride and Prejudice has certainly followed in the footsteps of its predecessors.

The story, for those not familiar with the book or the many movie adaptations, focuses around the Bennet family a middle to upper middle class family who has been cursed with five daughters and no male heir. Mrs. Bennet, played expertly by Kelli Fox, has made it her sole preoccupation in life is to ensure her daughters marry rich.

In one of the first scenes in the play, the Bennets hear that a wealthy bachelor, Mr. Bingley, has moved into the neighbourhood. Mrs. Bennet hypothesizes to her husband which one of her daughters may catch the eye of this rich young suitor.

The introductions happen shortly thereafter, with Mr. Bingley’s party in tow, including his snobby sister Caroline and, of course, the wealthy, though somewhat anti-social, Mr. Darcy.

Of the five Bennet sisters, it is the eldest sister, Jane, who Mr. Bingley takes a particular shine to, much to the delight of Mrs. Bennet. But the play is less about Mr. Bingley and Jane and more about the budding love story between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

Since the book Pride and Prejudice is narrated to the reader primarily by Elizabeth, the play employed a unique method of narration when necessary. Either the character narrated themselves a chorus of characters not directly involved in the scene would narrate important impressions and thoughts from the wings of the stage.

The cast, lead by an exceptional Lauren Holfeuer, does a great service to charm of an Austen novel and as does Holfeur herself, in her portrayal of the lively protagonist Elizabeth Bennet. Her interactions with Nathan Howe as Mr. Darcy would please even the most devout Pride and Prejudice fan.

And while each of the cast is worthy of note on their own, Alexandria Hartshorn’s portrayal of the youngest Bennet sister, 16-year-old, boy-crazy Lydia, stands out as one of the best – especially for anyone in the audience who is regularly in the presence of a self involved, flirtatious 16-year-old girl.

A special mention is also necessary for Gordon S. Miller who played the socially awkward Mr. Collins with unmatched comedic timing in both the character’s verbal interactions and physical movements.

Being theatre in-the-round, the Globe can’t depend on elaborate set pieces, instead using versatile set pieces, beautiful costumes and the acting prowess of its cast to carry the show and bring you into the scene–in this case upper class England at the turn of the nineteenth century.

The costume designer, Emma Williams, created beautiful period costumes that were historically accurate and reflected the characters’ socioeconomic status; the Bingleys and Lady Catherine were dressed in rich colours cuts and materials and the Bennet girls in rich cuts, but lighter colours.

The exceptional ensemble cast took on their characters well, which is especially impressive given some took on more than one. The cast had no trouble capturing the spirit of Jane Austen’s novel with excellent timing and delivery. In fact the entire cast had amazing chemistry with each other despite a short rehearsal period.
At the intermission break, I found myself wondering how Mr. Bingley could be so blind to see the affection of Jane when sideways glances and shy smiles were so noticeable to the audience. The interplay between Mrs. Bennet’s borderline neurotic personality and Mr. Bennet’s laid-back sarcasm and quick wit made for a number of perfect comedic moments. Additionally, Caroline Bingley’s snobbish demeanor with, well, everyone, was spectacular. I legitimately disliked her, which is grand kudos to Jenna-Lee Hyde because that was the point.

Though Pride and Prejudice is not a comedy there will be times you will be laughing out loud over the antics of Mrs. Bennet or Mr. Collins or over the sarcasm and wit of Mr. Bennet and young foolishness of Lydia. Pride and Prejudice is not stuffy theatre, instead, it is a piece that despite a taking place over a century ago transcends those differences and entertains its audience.

Pride and Prejudice runs nightly at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday until March 24. Tickets range from $29-$54 depending on the location in the theatre. For tickets call the Globe Theatre box office at 306-525-6400 or visit them online at globetheatrelive.com.

Arts Radar Mar. 21 – 28

March 21
Fly Points, The Dead South, Eden Rohatensky
The Exchange
$10 at the door
Doors at 7:30

March 22
Evan Chambers & the Third Alarm w/Fire Engine 5A
The Exchange
$10 at the door
Doors at 7:30

The Fugitives
The Artful Dodger
$10 advance tickets
Doors at 7:30 p.m.

March 23
Regina Jazz Orchestra
The Exchange
$15 members/$20 non-members/student members $5/$10 other students
Show at 7:30 p.m.

March 24
This Is Our Community: a Celebration of Cultures
Glencairn Neighbourhood Recreation Centre
Free admission
1 p.m.

Madison Violet w/John Antoniuk
The Artful Dodger
$15 advance tickets
Doors at 7:30 p.m.

Rehashed, Cocaine Moustache, Severed Legion, Bermuda Love
The Club
$10 at the door
Doors at 7 p.m.

March 25
Talkies
Creative City Centre
$5 at the door
Doors at 7:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of The Globe Theatre

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