Romantic Period Piece Comes to Life in the Next Stage

Sense and Sensibility, a Jon Jory adaptation of Jane Austen's romantic novel, plays in the Next Stage at Theatre Memphis February 10 - 26, 2017. (PLEASE NOTE: Wednesday performances have been added to the normal production run.) In this story, sisters find themselves captivated by two very different men and when a scandalous past and a secret engagement come to light, the sisters must rely on themselves and each other to weather the heartache as they learn what love can be.

Director John Rone admits he has a "thing" for 19th century novelist Austen. "Like Shakespeare, her stories have endured the test of time. Austen's characters are three dimensional, fully formed, magnificent (however flawed) human beings." Having previously directed the Theatre Memphis productions of Austen's Pride and Prejudice (2008) and Emma (2011), Rone is returning there to direct a stage adaptation of Austen's first novel, Sense and Sensibility. What keeps drawing him back? Rone explains, "Although Ms. Austen never married, she managed to write some of the world's most memorable love stories which resonate with us today because not much has changed. We still fall in love with people we can't have and people we shouldn't have and people our parents hate." Clearly the stories pull in the audiences as well in that Theatre Memphis has added Wednesday performances to the regular run for this production that normally would run Thursdays through Sundays.

Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch looks at presenting Sense and Sensibility at Theatre Memphis as completing a cycle. She explains, "Classic works always have a place on our season schedule, year after year. And it is worthy to note that Mr. Rone has returned to us to direct this adaptation of Austen's first novel after having successfully directed later works. The stories are timeless and universal and John understands that so well. Having him helm this production simply brings us full circle."

TICKETS: $25 adults, $15 student; $20 Military and 62 and older

BOX OFFICE: 901.682.8323

WEB: www.theatrememphis.org

SPONSORED BY: Gene and Sandra Cochran