Photo Flash: First Look at Maggie McDowell, Erin Weaver and More in Folger Theatre's SENSE & SENSIBILITY

Folger Theatre's 2016/17 season kicks off with an inspired stage adaptation of one of literature's most cherished novels, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. This all-new production of the critically acclaimed play is adapted by Kate Hamilland directed by the Wall Street Journal's Director of the Year (2014), Eric Tucker, Artistic Director of Bedlam Theater in New York. This DC premiere at the Folger breathes new life into the 200-year old favorite with a whimsical and theatrical staging. On stage now through October 30, 2016, the production continues Folger Shakespeare Library's year-long Wonder of Will celebration commemorating 400 years of Shakespeare. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Reason and passion collide in this beloved tale of sisterhood and romance. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters find themselves in sudden financial straits and are forced to vacate their grand home and move to a distant, crowded cottage. With their lives in a constant state of adjustment, sisters Elinor and Marianne each confront and grapple with heart-wrenching romances in contrasting ways. Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen's first published novel, remains a joyous and heart-warming tale of family, manners, obligation, love, and heartbreak.

The subdued and compassionate Elinor Dashwood will be played by Maggie McDowell. Ms. McDowell has most recently performed at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Four-time Helen Hayes Award-winning actress Erin Weaver stars as the idealistic and impulsive Marianne Dashwood. Ms. Weaver was last seen on the Folger stage earlier this year as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream. She has also starred in Romeo and Juliet, The Comedy of Errors, and Arcadia at Folger Theatre.

Alongside sisters Ms. McDowell and Ms. Weaver are Caroline Stefanie Clay as the gossipy Mrs. Jennings; Jacob Fishel as John Willoughby, the man who steals Marianne's heart; Michael Glenn as the buoyant Sir John Middleton; and Jamie Smithson in the role of the highly respected and well-mannered Edward Ferrars. The cast also includes Lisa Birnbaum (Mrs. Dashwood/Anne Steele), Nicole Kang (Margaret Dashwood), James Patrick Nelson (Colonel Brandon), and Kathryn Tkel (Fanny Dashwood/Lucy Steele).

This lively, fast-paced production features choreography by Alexandra Beller, with scenic design by John McDermott and costume design by Mariah Hale. The creative team also includes Jesse Belsky (lighting design) and James Bigbee Garver (sound design).

Tickets are available online at www.folger.edu/theatre or by calling the Folger Box Office at (202) 544-7077.

Photo Credit: Teresa Wood

The cast of Folger Theatre's SENSE & SENSIBILITY at supper.

Colonel Brandon (James Patrick Nelson) receives some troublesome news.

Mr. Dashwood (James Patrick Nelson) on his deathbed.

Elinor Dashwood (Maggie McDowell) shares a writing table with her new acquaintance Edward Ferrars (Jamie Smithson).

Maggie McDowell stars as the subdued Elinor Dashwood.

The cast of Folger Theatre's SENSE & SENSIBILITY.

Mrs. Dashwood (Lisa Birnbaum, far left) and her daughters (Maggie McDowell, Nicole Kang) look on with great joy as the dashing John Willoughby (Jacob Fishel) bids farewell to Marianne (Erin Weaver).

Marianne (Erin Weaver) shares a private moment with her love, John Willoughby (Jacob Fishel).

Erin Weaver as the idealistic and impulsive Marianne Dashwood.

John Willoughby (Jacob Fishel and Marianne Dashwood (Erin Weaver) on a horse carriage ride.

The cast of Folger Theatre's SENSE & SENSIBILITY enjoying some tea and a bit of gossip.

Ms. Lucy Steele (Kathryn Tkel, right) confides in her new acquaintance, Elinor Dashwood (Maggie McDowell).

Elinor Dashwood (Maggie McDowell, left) looks upon her sister Marianne (Erin Weaver, front center).

Elinor Dashwood (Maggie McDowell) learns of some distressing news from Colonel Brandon (James Patrick Nelson).

Sisterly talk between Marianne (Erin Weaver, left) and Elinor (Maggie McDowell).