West Chester University’s Department of Theatre & Dance Presents Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen’s Classic Novel is Brought to Life Onstage from October 22 - 24
West Chester University’s Department of Theatre & Dance presents the beloved classic masterpiece PRIDE AND PREJUDICE from the novel by Jane Austin and adapted to the stage by Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan. Directed by Associate Professor of Theatre Leonard Kelly, the show runs Friday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, October 24 at 2 p.m. in the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester. General admission tickets are $12 at https://www.wcupatix.com/theatreanddance.
When the strong-willed Elizabeth meets the attractive but enigmatic Mr. Darcy is it possible for them to look beyond his pride and her prejudice to make the best match of all? All the wit and romance of this classic 1813 novel comes to life in this refreshingly fast-paced and engaging stage adaptation. Jane, Elizabeth, and Lydia Bennet are likely-looking girls in a period when a woman's one possible career is matrimony. Finding a husband may not be Elizabeth Bennet's most pressing concern, but with four sisters and an overzealous match-making mother, it's difficult to escape the subject.
Director Len Kelly says, “We wanted to return to the stage and bring live theatre back to our campus in a grand and celebratory manner. This beautiful show, with a cast of 24, music, dancing, and gorgeous costumes, does just that.”
Set in 1811, the costumes and dance numbers are reflective of the period. Dances are set to the musical etudes of composer Johann Baptist Cramer, the only real composer whose name is mentioned in Jane Austen’s novels.
Safety protocols developed by the student cast and production team were enacted to minimize the spread of COVID-19. They developed a plan that included weekly testing, masking other than when they are onstage performing for audiences, and all members of the ensemble agreed to minimize their exposure during the rehearsal process.
Playing the role of Mr. Darcy is Matt Melchior, a senior math major from Allentown, PA. Elizabeth Bennet is portrayed by Delany Lindholm, a junior from Harrisburg, PA. Other cast members include:
Josh Acuna (Mr. Bennet), Raven Burckhalter (Jane Bennet), Sidney Cain-Frazier (Lady Lucas), Luther Case (Mr. Wickham), Sophia Cox (Georgiana Darcy), Emily Dina (Mrs. Bennet), Mia McDermott (Miss Anne De Bourgh), Madelyn DeFelice (Lady Catherine DeBourgh), Sarah Ford (Charlotte Lucas), Noah Glose (Sir William Lucas), Grace Halsey (Mary Bennet), Joshua Hawkes (Mr. Bingley), Chloé Hyde (Kitty Bennet), Lauren Kuerschner (Mrs. Reynolds), AneLisa Lochstoer (Caroline Bingley), Richard Ludig (Colonel Fitzwilliam), Chris Mancaruso (Mr. Collins), Hope McGinnis (Mrs. Gardiner), Clare McKernan (Lydia Bennet), Tyler Polito (Ensign Denny), Ryan Snopek (Mr. Gardiner), Matthew Tindall (Captain Carter).