Review: SENSE AND SENSIBILITY at Folger Theatre

Folger Theatre has begun its 2016 - 2017 season with Kate Hamill's adaptation of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY. The Jane Austen classic centers around sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, whose odds of finding an advantageous match are greatly diminished after their father's death. Cut off thanks to the influence of their rapacious sister-in-law, the Dashwood women must move in with cousins and try to find some hope of future wedded happiness and security.

I will freely admit I am a Jane Austen fan. But Miss Austen, much like William Shakespeare, is not everyone's cup of tea. In many regards, her world is outdated, and the restrictions on women absurd. However, similar situations and themes still arise in the modern dating world, making her work still valuable.

Director Eric Tucker has worked to appeal to both Austen fans and newcomers, crafting a show that incorporates varying styles of comedy, choreography and staging. Unfortunately, this causes the show to lose its balance and central emotions, making it difficult to watch at times.

The actors are constantly involved in the evolution of a scene, from moving doors and windows across the stage to being the props themselves. Scenic Designer John McDermott and Choreographer Alexandra Beller pair well together, helping the actors to demonstrate a change in scenery, carriage ride, or even just a grand space for a party. The mirrors across the back of the stage add depth, and there is plenty of room for the actors to cavort, hide or even come out and interact with the audience.

Erin Weaver dominates as the emotionally fervent Marianne, pouring all of her energy into eckless abandon of the role. Maggie McDowell is incredibly steady as the guarded, sensible Elinor, which is a much needed contrast to all the needlessly absurd action around her. NICOLE KANG steals scenes as their younger sister Margaret, and her performance is happily natural and genuine.

James Patrick Nelson is a highlight as Colonel Brandon. Nelson's portrayal crafts a distinct evolution in Brandon's emotional restraint, and his scenes are wonderful. Jacob Fishel is frustratingly charming as Willoughby, and helplessly clueless as John Dashwood.

As I mentioned, the central issue with this show is the balance that it loses. The comedy wanders from eye-rolling puns to downright lunacy, with some moments straying too far from what Austen has written. Is it funny? Yes, but ultimately that takes away from the emotional heart of the show, and those moments stick out more than they should in the context of the plot. While the cast looked to be having an immense amount of fun, certain comedic choices seemed totally unnecessary, and overacting became a noticeable problem.

For those who simply want to see the story, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY for the most part will not disappoint. However, overall it is a production that tries too hard and could benefit from a bit of restraint in order to truly make it one for all audiences to properly enjoy.

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY runs at Folger Theatre through October 30th. For more information, visit the production page.