Jane Austen News

It's always interesting when sequels are written to famous works because, in order to succeed, they must project some of the same style, skill, and taste of the original author. But, Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon have crafted a play that carries on some of the same wit and charm that the book in question, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, possesses. That makes MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY an appealing new addition to the story, with the bookworm Mary finally given her due as a character. While she's certainly less exacting here than in Austen's work, a characteristic derived from her overly studious nature, she's still sort of a nerd-ish young woman with more of a thirst for knowledge than any outwardly evidenced desire for the flesh. The Repertory Theatre St. Louis has wrapped this holiday gift quite nicely, and what's more, there's an enjoyable and entertaining story inside that's both funny and touching. A nice new addition to the usual holiday fare, MISS BENNETT: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY is a warm return to the world of Jane Austen's characters as witnessed through a new set of lenses. A charming treat for the season!

The 13th Annual Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals, produced by Goodspeed Musicals' Max Showalter Center for Education in Musical Theatre, kicks off its much-anticipated three-day festival of brand-new works on Friday, January 12, 2018 at The Goodspeed with a staged reading of the rousing new musical Five Points by Ethan D. Pakchar (Music) and Douglas Lyons (Music and Lyrics), and McKnight Fellowship winner Harrison David Rivers (Book).

This Christmas, Theatrical Outfit proudly stages the Southeast premiere of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, a new holiday play by Atlanta native Lauren Gunderson (Silent Sky) and Margot Melcon. Told with modern wit and period style, this effervescent, comedic sequel to one of the most beloved literary romances of all time, Pride and Prejudice, will enchant Jane Austen fans and newcomers alike. Directed by Atlanta actress-director Carolyn Cook, Miss Bennet runs November 30 - December 24 and continues Theatrical Outfit's 2017- 2018 Season of Character. Miss Bennet is sponsored in part by Macy's.

Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) presents their new holiday show, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, a creation by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Directed by Andrew Barnicle, this regional-theater hit is a sequel to Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', and reunites its characters to place the bookish middle sister, Mary Bennet, in the limelight. The production opened last night, November 30, and will run until December 17, 2017. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Main Street Theater is extending its run of the delightfully funny and endearing Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Remaining performances are now through Dec. 23 and include these specific dates and times: Thursdays Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 3:00pm; PLUS Sunday, Dec. 3 at 7:30pm and Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7:30pm.

Artistic Director Andy Arnold has been taking stock as he enters his 10th anniversary year at the helm of Tron Theatre, with his enthusiasm for the work made and programmed undiminished. He continues to push the boundaries of theatrical experiment and provocation more than ever before and his Spring/Summer 2018 season is a refusal to present the safe and familiar.

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The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is no stranger to winning stage adaptations of Jane Austen, having produced Emma in 2008 and Sense and Sensibility in 2013. However, with Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, The Rep will present a new breed of Austen-inspired theatre.

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley celebrates the holiday season with a riotous escapade, Around the World in 80 Days. Taking place in an 1870s alive with danger, romance, and comic surprises, fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and his faithful valet circle the globe in an unheard-of 80 days. In the hilariously theatrical style of The 39 Steps, five actors portray dozens of characters in a thrilling race against time and treachery, recreating one of the greatest adventures of all time. Full of stampeding elephants, raging typhoons, and runaway trains, Around the World in 80 Days, adapted by the award-winning playwright Mark Brown, offers an imaginative and ingenious expedition for the whole family. Directed by TheatreWorks Founding Artistic Director Robert Kelley, Around the World in 80 Days will be presented November 29 December 31, 2017 (press opening: December 2) at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. For tickets ($40-$100) and more information the public may visit TheatreWorks.org or call (650) 463-1960.

Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) announces their new holiday show, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, a creation by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Directed by Andrew Barnicle, this regional-theater hit is a sequel to Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', and reunites its characters to place the bookish middle sister, Mary Bennet, in the limelight. The production will debut today, November 30, and will run until December 17, 2017.

Writing a sequel to one of the most beloved novels in English literature is a daunting and risky task. Audiences have such attachment to the original, and it could go wrong in so many ways. But playwrights Lauren Gunderson and Margo Melcon have gotten it so, so right in their theatrical sequel to Jane Austen's novel PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. In a sparkling new production at Jungle Theater, MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY is very reminiscent of Jane Austen, but also fresh and modern and new. It's a witty, smart, utterly charming new play that celebrates not just literal sisterhood, but women working together and supporting each other, both onstage and behind the scenes. I can think of nothing we need more at this moment in time.

In the spirit of the holidays, Shakespeare & Company announces four Berkshire beneficiaries for Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, directed by Producing Associate Ariel Bock. Post-show collections from each performance will benefit a different local organization, including The Elizabeth Freeman Center, Pittsfield Boys & Girls Club, Hospice Care in the Berkshires, and The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

Capital Stage presents the Special Holiday Production and Sacramento Premiere of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. This instant holiday classic continues the story of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and has delighted audiences since its premiere in 2016. Miss Bennet will be directed by Capital Stage Co-Founder Peter Mohrmann and is a special production in addition to the 2017/18 Season. Performances will run from December 6 - 30, 2017 with a Press Opening on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 8:00 pm.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is no stranger to winning stage adaptations of Jane Austen, having produced Emma in 2008 and Sense and Sensibility in 2013. However, with Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, The Rep will present a new breed of Austen-inspired theatre.

Southern Rep Theatre announces casting details and special event schedule for MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY, the company's holiday production for the 2017-18 season. Running November 29 December 23, 2017 at Loyola University, Marquette Theatre, MISS BENNET reunites the characters of Pride and Prejudice, putting bookish middle sister Mary Bennet front-and-center.

LA's own Impro Theatre continues their residency at The Edye at The Broad Stage, presenting a different style of their signature improvisation for one weekend, each month. December marks the month of Jane Austen UnScripted. LA Weekly said, GO! Oh, what fun to see Impro Theatre create a two act drama in the style of a Jane Austen novel Aside from its breathtaking wit, the show reveals the codes of behavior that accrue into an acting style, and even a social style. The Los Angeles Times calls Jane Austen UnScripted, a stunning feat of performance and literary wizardry.

San Jose Stage Company continues their Season 35 honoring an American Theatre icon who shaped the very core of their organization with their presentation of Sam Shepard's Fool for Love. This cowboy romance dissects the poignant causes and effects of love lost through the retrospective eyes of two past lovers.

As far as our fickle adult memory is concerned, there could be very few child roles in major Broadway and West End musicals that captured our hearts: Annie, Oliver, Mary Lennox, and Dorothy. Matilda is the latest welcome addition.

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University, under the leadership of Artistic Director Diane Paulus and Executive Producer Diane Borger, is pleased to present Bedlam's Sense & Sensibility. Written by Kate Hamill based on the novel by Jane Austen and directed by Eric Tucker, performances of the production recognized by The New York Times as having an audaciously high energy level will begin on Sunday, December 10, 2017, and continue through Sunday, January 14, 2018 at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle Street, in Cambridge.