Southern Rep Announces MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY

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.

MISS BENNET delighted audiences and critics nationwide in its National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere in 2016 and receives its Regional Premiere at Southern Rep. Playwrights Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon have created "a droll and quite delicious seasonal sequel to Pride and Prejudice . . . an unstuffy, highly entertaining and warm-spirited work, the kind of thing multiple generations can enjoy together" (Chicago Tribune). Gunderson is a rising star among American Playwrights and has the distinction of being the most-produced living playwright in the U.S. this year.

Producing Artistic Director Aimée Hayes was looking for a fresh take on holiday programming when she encountered the script for MISS BENNET. "I was so pleased to find a holiday play that is warm and welcoming and also wonderfully funny. The script absolutely crackles with wit and romance, making MISS BENNET a perfect companion piece to our production of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE from a few seasons back. The best part of this sequel is that it doesn't require familiarity with the book and is especially rewarding for those of us who love Jane Austen's incisive comedy and unique worldview. It truly offers something for everyone!"

Hayes co-directs with frequent collaborator Jeffrey Gunshol, whose recent Southern Rep credits include choreography for COLOSSAL and DETROIT; the two co-directed Southern Rep's sold-out production of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in 2013. In the cast, Helen Jaksch and Ian Hoch ("Mary Bennet" and "Arthur de Bourgh") head up a diverse ensemble of talented New Orleans performers, including Annie Cleveland, Shelley Johnson, and Emily Russell as three of the Bennet sisters; Michael Newcomer and James Bartelle as Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley; and Monica Harris as Lady Anne de Bourgh.

Single tickets for MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY are available starting Tuesday, October 31 online at southernrep.com or 504-522-6545. 2017-18 Priority Patron Members get first choice of preferred dates and enjoy reserved seats and other benefits; season memberships are still available.

MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY runs Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 PM with Sunday matinees at 3 PM in the Marquette Theatre of Loyola University (6363 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118). Free parking for patrons is available in the West Road garage. A comprehensive series of engagement activities accompany the production through Southern Rep's Community Table initiative, a comprehensive series of partner nights and community engagement activities surrounding this production is scheduled, including - - FREE Lagniappe Performance Series events on Friday nights - FREE Table Talk panel discussions before Saturday performances - FREE Talk-Backs after Sunday matinees - FREE PlayDates! at sites on historic Bayou Road, New Orleans

The Lagniappe Performance Series is a free "show-before-the-show" on Friday nights spotlighting local performers (musicians, spoken word artists, dancers, and more). Table Talks offer a chance to dig in with the content or social, literary, or historical context of the play. Talk-Backs turn the tables, giving the audience the opportunity to direct questions back to the performers. PlayDates! are fun, free events for all ages that provide an opportunity to engage with the play through pop-up community art-making activities. During the run of MISS BENNET, PlayDate! Events will be held at various sites on Bayou Road, as part of Southern Rep's work with the Bayou Road Business Association in advance of the company's move to the former St. Rose de Lima church site in 2018-19.

Regular tickets are $40, subject to increase. Special pricing for Preview Performances (November 29, 30, December 1): $25. Pay What You Can - at the door only, Thursday, December 7 - availability not guaranteed. Additional discounts:Seniors ($35)Blue Star Families ($28)*Teachers, Under Age 35, Theatre Professionals ($25)Student Rush ($10 at the door only, 10 minutes before curtain - availability not guaranteed)
Group rates available by calling the box office. Priority Patron (Season Subscriber) memberships provide discounted rates.

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