URGENT UPDATE: In celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, a fresh adaptation of her beloved novel Pride & Prejudice is set to debut at the Compass Rose Theater in Annapolis on November 14, 2023. This exciting production promises to breathe new life into Austen’s timeless wit and humor, making it more accessible to modern audiences.
Madeline Austin, the newly appointed artistic director of Compass Rose Theater, was inspired to bring this adaptation to life after witnessing a live performance at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia. Austin stated, “The humor and wit leapt from the stage — even more prominent than in the books.”
The adaptation, crafted by English playwright Emma Whipday, aims to capture the essence of Austen’s narrative while presenting it in a digestible format for today’s viewers. Whipday, who has a deep admiration for Austen’s work, noted, “I wanted to see if it was possible to create an adaptation that would follow the plot and keep as much of the spirit of the original alive.”
Whipday brings a unique perspective to the characters, particularly in how Elizabeth Bennet navigates social norms alongside her four sisters. The role of Elizabeth will be portrayed by Caleigh Riordan Davis in this production. Whipday emphasized the significance of portraying Mr. Darcy in a more relatable light, allowing audiences to see his awkwardness and introversion.
The adaptation is designed to resonate with both long-time Austen fans and newcomers. Austin remarked, “It cuts to the heart of the novel, making it easier to follow the plot, even if you’ve never read Jane Austen before.”
As the theater prepares for this much-anticipated run, it is clear that Austen’s influence remains strong. Whipday expressed her hope that the adaptation would showcase the depth of Austen’s characters, stating, “I wanted to bring out the stress of having five daughters in a world where women couldn’t earn a living.”
Pride and Prejudice at Compass Rose Theater runs through December 14, 2023. Tickets are available on the theater’s website. This production follows a successful run of Annie, which received a Helen Hayes award nomination, further solidifying Compass Rose’s reputation in the Washington, D.C. theater scene.
Both Whipday and Austin reflected on the legacy of Austen, whose impact is felt profoundly despite her short life. Whipday noted, “It’s exciting to see how Austen’s novels are being celebrated. They are romantic yet intellectually revered.”
As the theater community gears up for this thrilling adaptation, audiences are encouraged to seize the opportunity to experience Austen’s brilliance anew.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Compass Rose Theater website.
Have a news tip? Contact Benjamin Rothstein at [email protected] or call 443-928-1926.
