Pride and Prejudice: A Feast for the Eye

Shannon Taylor & Alix Sideris  

Photo: Trudie Lee

Fans of Jane Austin in general and of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in particular will probably have one of two reactions to the stage version currently running at the NAC. They’ll either bemoan the fact that so much of the book is left out or they’ll relax and enjoy yet another version of a favorite classic. For me there’s a basic problem with Janet Munsil’s adaptation, as there would be with any adaptation of this book for the stage. In condensing a complex book of this length many subtleties must be omitted. You’re left with largely two-dimensional characters. It takes some pretty nifty acting to bring these characters to believable life. That said, there are some nifty actors in the large cast who manage it.

Shannon Taylor does a nice job as Elizabeth Bennet as does Tyrell Crews as Mr. Darcy. Since they are the main characters, their roles are fairly meaty and allow the actors to reveal more complexity. Allan Morgan is terrific as Mr. Bennet, able to create a fully human character out of very few lines.

Pierre Brault has great fun with the slimy Mr. Collins and, as usual, his physical characterization is both appropriate and entertaining. Michael Spencer-Davis and the always excellent Alix Sideris make Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner thoroughly believable. Miss Sideris is especially good in her Act II scene with Elizabeth.

The physical production is just plain gorgeous. Patrick Clark’s imaginative set created from large strips of manuscript paper framed with huge paper roses provides a perfect playing space for Director Dennis Garnhum’s fluid cinematic staging. A few pieces of period furniture glide on and off and various elements fly in and out to indicate changes of locale. I loved the moment when the two roses on the stage floor became small fountains. Mr. Clark’s costumes are also good, changing only with small additional pieces incorporated into the action, eliminating the need for lengthy changes.

There’s no credit listed for the excellent piano music that is nicely timed with the action. I don’t know what I can say about Jock Munro’s beautiful lighting that I haven’t said in previous reviews. He’s a master of delicate shadings of color and seamless transitions from light to shadow. The set provides an excellent canvas for Mr. Munro’s talents.

Dennis Garnhum has staged the play with a sure hand and never interrupts the flow. He’s also taken advantage of every bit of humor in the script. Anita Miotti’s choreography is very good and never draws attention when a scene occurs in front of the dancers. Director Garnhum keeps the focus where it belongs. He’s added wonderful creative touches such as the fishing scene and the use of the lanterns at the ball.

This is a seamless and visually stunning production, but unfortunately doesn’t capture the depth of character of the novel. As I said earlier, I don’t think that’s possible considering the time constraints of a stage production. In any case, there’s still a lot in it to enjoy.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE plays at the NAC through Dec. 8 Tkts: 613-947-7000

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE adapted by Janet Munsil

NAC English Theatre/Theatre Calgary co-production

Director: Dennis Garnhum

Set & Costumes: Patrick Clark

Lighting: Jock Munro

Choreographer: Anita Miotti

Cast

Mr. Bennet Allan Morgan

Mrs. Bennet Elizabeth Stepkowski Tarhan

Jane Gemma James-Smith

Elizabeth Shannon Taylor

Mary Pippa Leslie

Kitty Leda Davies

Lydia Laura Huckle

Mr. Gardiner Michael Spencer-Davis

Mrs. Gardiner Alix Sideris

Mr. Darcy Tyrell Crews

Georgiana Julia Guy

Mr. Bingley Brendan McMurtry-Howlett

Caroline Bingley Anna Cummer

Mrs. Reynolds Terry Tweed

George Wickham Karl H. Sine

Charlotte Lucas Ellen Close

Mr. Collins Pierre Brault

Lady Catherine Terry Tweed

Kady Anne Leda Davies