Description

A sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set two years after the novel ends, iss Bennet continues the story, only this time with bookish middle-sister Mary as its unlikely heroine. Mary is growing tired of her role as dutiful middle sister in the face of her siblings' romantic escapades. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks Mary's hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.

Droll and delicious, MISS BENNET is a charming, confectionary celebration of fan favorite characters from Pride and Prejudice, multi-generationally honoring the legacy of Jane Austen’s humor, playfulness and wit in a warm-spirited holiday theatrical production. —DCMetroTheaterArts.com.

…a perfectly constructed love story…Given its fizzy comedy, sweet spirit and clean structure, [MISS BENNET] seems destined to populate future holiday seasons… — San Francisco Chronicle

…an unstuffy, highly entertaining and warm-spirited work, the kind of thing multiple generations can enjoy together. — Chicago Tribune

Credits

No credits have been posted.

Reviews

‘Christmas at Pemberly’ is a holiday delight at Black Box Theatre
- Mike Cook, Las Cruces Bulletin

By Mike Cook
So many people love “Pride and Prejudice,” and everyone loves good theatre. That makes Black Box Theatre’s (BBT) current production of “Miss Bennett Christmas at Pemberly” a must see during the next two weekends.

With their captivating story, playwrights Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon bring Jane Austen’s novel – one of the most beloved and revered books of all time – back to life two years after “Pride and Prejudice” takes place in England during the reign of George III.

A giant gold star goes to director Nikka Gornitzka Ziemer for putting together such a strong cast and letting them find the heart and soul of each of these classic characters. Another gold star goes to costume designer Autumn Gieb, whose hand-made costumes add so much to this production.

I would shower a whole box of gold stars on the cast. They were, individually and collectively, outstanding in their performances.

I have seen and enjoyed Erin Wendorf in many productions over the years at BBT and Las Cruces Community Theatre (LCCT); I have never seen her given a stronger performance than she does as Mary Bennet, whose Christmas at Pemberly we are a part of in this production. Erin was brilliant from start to finish.

Brad Christian Martinez also gave a great performance as Arthur De Bourgh, who discovers he is engaged to someone else, but follows his heart as her pursues Mary. You could feel the sparks between them.

Likewise A.J. Tumminaro and Debbie Jo Felix as Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Debbie Jo is a theatre veteran who continues a long string of terrific performances with this show. “Christmas at Pemberly” is the first time I’ve ever seen A.J. perform on stage. I thought he truly captured the essence of the reserved but compassionate Mr. Darcy.

McKenzie Cabot and Joseluis Solorzano were equally charming as Mr. and Mrs. Bingley. I so loved McKenzie’s performance last October in “Almost Maine” at LCCT, and Joseluis continues to distinguish himself with a strong repertoire of leading and supporting characters.

Cassandra Galban adds another jewel to her crown in her excellent performance as the beguiling if misguided Lydia Wickham. What else would one expect from the actor who was so superb in BBT’s recent productions of “The Glass Menagerie” and “Gun Show.”

Gina DeMondo was the perfect Anne De Bourgh. The entire energy of the play changes when Gina, another talented Las Cruces theatre veteran, steps on stage. She is the potent and powerful Grinch of Pemberly.

Kudos also to assistant director Eric Hadley, assist costume designer Karen Buerdsell, light and sound board operator Bekah Taulbee and Peter Herman, Buerdsell, Martinez and Joshua Taulbee for the construction of the marvelous set.

BBT is located at 430 N. Main St. downtown.

Remaining performances of “Miss Bennett Christmas at Pemberly” are 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 9-10, and 16-17; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 and 18; and 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15. Tickets are $15 regular admission, $12 for students and seniors over age 65. All seats for the Thursday, Dec. 15, show only are $10. Purchase tickets online at www.no-strings.org. For reservations and more information, call 575-523-1223.

Seating

No seating plan has been posted.