By Cantor Sheldon Foster Merel
CARLSBAD, California — On my first visit to the New Village Arts Theatre for me last Sunday, I enjoyed a spritely performance of Miss Bennet, Christmas at Pemberley. Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon wrote this charming sequel to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. It is a delightful twist on Austin’s original story, and includes most of the original characters. It takes place a new year’s after the original, in 1815 at the Pemberley home of Elizabeth and Mrs. Darcy.
A very pregnant Jane Bennet is there, along with her husband, and. sister Lydia, as well. (If you remember all the original character by Austin). This time around, however the focus is on the younger sister, Mary, rather than the original , Elizabeth.
The entire cast is excellent and thanks to the fine direction by Kristiann Kurner, the action moves smoothly with multiple and challenging entrances and staging It has a nice mix of comedy and drama, and for me it was a treat to hear each of the actors speak in perfect English,, subtly sounding from England of that period. How nice to hear every vowel , consonant and the letter “t” pronounced!
The plot is a bit complex , but the audience was tuned into every word and funny line. All the actors are splendid but the character of Bingley is the comic relief
Mary (well done by Ayanna Workman.) is a bookish young woman who has not quite found her identity among her more gregarious sisters. She is single and her sisters are hoping to find a match for her. Enter Lord Arthur Bingley, a tall shy young man, and delightfully gawkish (brilliantly played by Sittichai Chaiyahat). The story is wrapped around these two characters as we watch the sisters busily trying to set up a match for Mary with the rich Lord Bingley. The costumes by Alissa Benzoin and stage setting are authentic and excellent.
The Village Art Theatre is 17 years old , and was started by graduates of the New York Actors studio Drama School. The theatre seats 100 people and the play will continue until December 23. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance, and recommend you catch it for a delightful evening of live theater.
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Merel is cantor emeritus of Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego. He may be contacted via sheldon.merel@sdjewishworld.com
Sheldon, I,too, found this show a lovely treat, and better than lots of the holiday treacle out there in December. New Village Arts theater is a real gift to our county and the acting, directing, costumes and sets are fabulous and first rate! Thanks for your review.