Pride & Prejudice by playwright Kate Hamill, adapted from Jane Austen’s infamous novel, is the original Bridgerton. Cue the drama, the music, the laughs, the wit! A brilliant production by theater house Baltimore Center Stage in association with the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, this often lighthearted and updated classic was a delight for both Regency enthusiasts and those who aren’t quite sure what the Regency era is. The chaotic beginning to the perfect picture ending, this classic has been given a new and comedic life that is pure indulgence under the talented direction of Ken-Matt Martin. Set in the English countryside during the social season in the Regency era, this modern update of a classic romantic comedy centers on four sisters of questionable character and their intentions whilst playing “the game” of finding a suitable match. And no matchmaking season would be complete without the original overbearing helicopter mother, Mrs. Bennet, hilariously portrayed by Alanna Hamill. Oh, her nerves! Beware her fragile, dramatic nerves! And of course, Mr. Bennet, depicted by a very talented Kathryn Pryor, is completely over it all and lets you know with his snarky comments and his unwillingness to divert his attention from his paper. The sisters’ overall journey to win “the game” and find success while being funny still manages to highlight the social ills of the time. The only real accomplishments allowed women were that of wife and mother. And whatever lures she could use to finesse herself the best match in that regard. Lizzy Brooks and Alexander Matos in ‘Pride & Prejudice.’ Photo by Teresa Castracane. The costar of this production was hands down the music! The modern classical melodies by Jeremiah Davison, associate director/sound designer, were amazing. It was a treat to hear present-day music in such a classical format. It is such a great way to transform everyone into the feeling of the moment. The show was undeniably a richer experience for it. A quiet but exceptional surprise was L’Oreal Lampley, who beautifully portrayed Mary Bennet and Miss Bingley. While her characters were more supporting roles, she easily became quite entertaining and center stage with her antics. I often found myself drawn to her even when she wasn’t speaking. And when she does take center stage, she makes it worth it. There is a moment during this play that brought a rousing round of applause from the audience, and she aptly deserved every second of it. The diversity of this cast was astounding. Age included. While initially I was a bit confused as to the choice of Kathryn Pryor’s role as Charlotte Lucas, a frenemy of the sisters, I can appreciate the casting choice. While she clearly wasn’t the traditional choice for the roles she played, she was marvelous nonetheless, and it was fun to watch her perform. Another actor who showed a wide range of skills was Alexander Matos, who was adorable as Mr. Bingley, quite a roguish Mr. Wickham, and energetic over-the-top Mr. Collins. Bless him because I know he must be tired. Mr. Collins alone with his very sparkling and sizable personality was enough for one person. But Matos managed to depict two more vastly different characters in a way that made me rethink if he was the same actor. His adaptation of Mr. Wickham had me wanting to say a prayer for his young, naïve, and now trapped wife, Lydia Bennet, enacted by Lizzy Lewis (who also portrays Lady Catherine). And our favorite, Mr. Bingley. He reminded you of the most precocious puppy. Granted that’s how everyone treated him, down to playing with a little bouncy ball. And who is Mr. Bingley without his amour, Jane Bennet, acted by Caro Dubberly (she also portrayed Miss De Bourgh)? Empty is my best guess. This lovely version of Jane Bennet was a solid performance and easily loveable for her humanity. But I honestly preferred the betrayal of Miss De Bourgh. Her speaking moments are few but spot on and she is funniest when you least expect it. TOP: Malik Esoj Childs and Lizzy Brooks; ABOVE: Lizzy Brooks, Malik Esoj Childs, L_Oreal Lampley, and Caro Dubberly, in ‘Pride & Prejudice.’ Photos by Teresa Castracane. Not to be outdone, the famous center pair. Lizzy Bennet, lovingly played by Lizzy Brooks, and Malik Esoj Childs with his intriguing portrayal of Mr. Darcy and his 10,000 pounds. I promise you Mr. Darcy’s 10,000 pounds was almost its own character. It was a pleasure to watch the chemistry between these two build and change as their tenuous, friction-laced relationship grew. Even though Lizzy Brooks sometimes broke character, it was for the best reason possible, her co-actors were just that funny. I enjoyed seeing everyone enjoy themselves, especially the actors. We also must give a special thank you to the costume designer, Celeste Jennings, for outfitting the stagehands as “the help.” Such a clever detail. Although I would have loved to have seen more of the elaborate Regency-era costumes, the ones in the second half, especially the gown worn by Jane Bennet, were divine. Overall, the pieces were period-appropriate and exquisite. While there were some minor hiccups throughout, the cast recovered wonderfully and didn’t get caught up in the mishaps. While I readily admit I had my initial reservations about this play, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed myself tremendously. Running Time: Two hours and 15 minutes plus one intermission. Pride & Prejudice plays through November 10, 2024, at Baltimore Center Stage, 700 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD. For tickets ($10–$74, with senior and student discounts available), call the box office at (410) 332-0033 (Tuesday through Friday, noon–5 pm), email [email protected], or purchase them online. The program for Pride & Prejudice is available online here. Pride & Prejudice Written by Kate Hamill, Adapted from the novel by Jane Austen Directed by Ken-Matt Martin In Association with Arkansas Repertory Theatre Sydney Lynne: Scenic Designer Levi Wilkins: Lighting Designer MD Hunter: Wig Designer Will Adams: Dialect Coach Luisa Ann Torres: Stage Manager Makayla Beckles: Asst. Stage Manager V Brown: Production Manager