Courtney Overton
Staff writer
“Pride and Prejudice,” based on the novel by Jane Austen and adapted for the stage by Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan, is the theatre department’s spring show.
Ben Reigel, assistant director of theatre, decided to direct “Pride and Prejudice” for several reasons.
“First, it takes place in a period and uses a style of language we haven’t explored much in recent years here at Shorter. Second, Jane Austen is immensely popular these days; therefore, it was a play many of our students were very interested in working on. Finally, it is a show with an extraordinary number of excellent women’s roles, which is very important due to our female to male ratio here at Shorter.”
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are the main characters of the play.When Darcy and Elizabeth first meet, they dislike each other. As the play continues, Darcy and Elizabeth begin to revise their animosity. This play shows the relationship between the two main characters as it turns from fervent disgust to hesitant love.
Darcy is played by sophomore Levi Penley. Penley has been in six productions at Shorter prior to “Pride and Prejudice.”
Penley said, “There is a certain, special sort of awkwardness in Darcy’s engagements, especially in large group settings, which makes for some of my favorite moments in the show.”
Elizabeth Bennet is played by junior Katie Beth Stubbs. Stubbs has been in nine productions at Shorter and has been acting since seventh grade. Stubbs loves her character.
“Elizabeth is who every girl wants to be: witty, optimistic and confident,” said Stubbs.
She admires Elizabeth for her gumption and her ability to never back down from a challenge.
“Darcy is a challenge to her, and she can’t help not trying to figure him out. She just doesn’t expect to fall in love. And I get to fall in love vicariously every night.”
The director assures audiences that the show will be a treat.
“The audience can expect a beautiful and elegant romance, larger than life characters and wonderfully witty and intelligent dialogue,” said Reigel.
Penley said the audience should expect nothing but perfection.
“It’s a huge cast and everyone is just pouring their energy to it, and the results of this are beautiful.”
“Pride and Prejudice” opened Feb. 16-19 and runs again Feb. 23-26 in the Callaway Theatre. For tickets, contact the Shorter box office by calling 706-233-7288 or 800-868- 6980, ext. 7288 or you can email them at boxoffice@shorter.edu.
