At Springhouse Theatre
A Fresh Retelling of Pride and Prejudice
As an avid Pride and Prejudice connoisseur, I was immensely excited walking into Springhouse Theater’s production. Every adaptation of this Jane Austen novel has something that sets it apart. Whether that be the passion of the 2005 movie, the charm of the BBC series, or the dry humor and delight of the novel, it remains one of the most powerful romances to this day. Having never seen a stage production, I would compare Janet Munsil’s adaptation most closely to the novel. The arrangement of scenes and dialogue felt akin to how it felt to read the novel for the first time. Director Heidi Buyck stated that this production “celebrates the humor and levity of Austen’s world,” and the comedy did, in fact, shine through. The actors and actresses did a wonderful job staying true to the source material and beloved characters, while adding more comedic aspects. This made for a retelling that was perfectly unique, but also just as special as the original!
I have to tip my hat to the two leads. Haydin Olivia Oechsle’s performance as the quick witted and intelligent Elizabeth Bennet was simply stunning. Not only could I hear every word that came out of her mouth, (big props to the dialect coach) but I understood every word that came out of her mouth. It wasn’t a direct copy of Kiera Knightley, it was clear Oechsle felt Elizabeth, especially in some of the heightened moments of the play when her character was overwhelmed with emotion. Oechsle did an excellent job of keeping her composure, as a lady in this time period would, but also keeping Elizabeth’s stubbornness and insightfulness. This true understanding of the character was not only apparent in emotional moments, but also in the tender, quiet moments. Filling her role with such grace and understanding was extremely impressive, especially because Elizabeth didn’t leave the stage for a single moment!
As soon as Brooks Bennet spoke his first line as Mr. Darcy, I was invested. His deep baritone voice and crisp English dialect were perfect for the most brooding character in literary history. Bennet’s delivery of iconic Darcy lines were a great mix of snarky and hilarious. “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me” had the audience in shambles, giggling and gasping in surprise. However, the intimate moments between the couple were wonderfully done as well. Most notably, Bennet’s reading of Darcy’s letter to Elizabeth, explaining his relation with Wickham, was perfectly heartbreaking. That moment clearly shifted the audience’s attitude towards Darcy, turning the tide of the entire story. It is very impressive that Bennet was able to captivate the audience in so many ways, and additionally make them fall in love with a previously unlikable character. Oechsle and Bennet’s chemistry was outstanding. I found myself longing for the moment when Darcy asks for her hand, even though I have seen this story hundreds of times. They encapsulated the enemies to lovers relationship so incredibly well, reminding me and the audience that love is powerful and pure.
The entire cast was fantastic and electric, but there are a few more performances I would like to highlight! Kristina Ramsey as Mrs. Bennet was perfectly hilarious, turning lines that I had never found to be funny into comedy. The audience was enraptured by her. Isaac Clark encapsulated the odd and quirky Mr. Collins brilliantly. I found myself giggling at his mannerisms before he even began speaking. Clark stole every scene he was in, and made use of every second he was on stage. Truly, a fantastic performance. Harrison Roulaine Hall was adorable as Charles Bingley, his lines professing love to Jane made my heart melt. Emily Summers was a standout as Charlotte Lucas, she made me resonate with a character I’ve never related to before. I understood and rooted for her the whole show. Last but not least, Sophia Bell was the perfect giggly, silly, and youthful Lydia Bennet. She added so much life to this production.
Heidi Buyck’s direction of this production was stellar. I was most notably impressed by the way the scene changes were handled. I was most notably impressed by the way the scene changes were handled. The play itself did not lend for smooth changes; it almost makes me assume it was intended to be on a smaller stage. The scenes did not blend into each other, and with a big set, it made all the changes longer. However, the ensemble of this show did an excellent job of making the changes organic and fast because there were multiple people handling them at all times. Buyck added an original recorded instrumental composition of her own for scenes and changes, so cool! The columns and archways were a brilliant way of making this production minimalist but regal, giving appropriate atmosphere to every scene. Additionally, the drapery hanging from the top of the stage was a very elegant touch! The staging of Mr. Collin’s debut scene in which the 5 sisters and mother were sitting on one end of the table and their father on the other end was brilliant. I loved getting to see the women giggle with each other whilst Collins was seriously conversing with Mr. Bennet. Every moment that Elizabeth was on stage alone was stunning. Oechsle’s poised stature alongside the elegant set made for a very stunning picture. Buyck kept the core of this story and added elements that made it even more immersive.
All in all, Springhouse Theater’s production of “Pride and Prejudice” was amazing. I loved it as a fan of the novel, and spoke to several people who had never been exposed to the story before who also loved it! It was an extremely accessible and fresh performance of a beloved story. I know I am always in for a treat when I walk into Springhouse Theater and this production did not change that opinion! A huge congratulations to the cast and crew. If you missed this production, be sure to catch The Mousetrap running April 24th to May 3rd, and check out their website for more information.
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Currently studying music at Middle Tennessee State University, Vivian Acevedo is a huge theater and arts lover. She believes in the healing power of music and its importance in the world!
