Silver Spring Stage Brings Delayed 'Pride and Prejudice' To Bethesda

SILVER SPRING, MD — Silver Spring Stage's long-delayed production of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" debuted last Friday night and will continue weekend performances through May 14 at the Writer's Center in Bethesda, according to a release.

Originally slated for the 2019-20 season, the Stage's production was forced to shut down due to the pandemic.

“Every show is a long journey — this one more than most,” said Madeleine Smith, the show's director. “We had just two short weeks of rehearsal before the pandemic shut us down. So to be here being able to show it to you is quite a gift.”

The Stage partnered with The Writer's Center to present the show, which presented another challenge — moving more than 20 actors and multiple sets from the company's Woodmoor home to Bethesda.

“It has been such a pleasure to work with the Silver Spring Stage team these last few months,” said Margaret Meleney, executive director of The Writer's Center, in a release. “We are delighted to welcome the Silver Spring Stage patrons.”

Adapted by Christina Calvit, "Pride and Prejudice" follows the travails of the Bennet sisters, as they attempt to enter society. Elizabeth "Lizzy" Bennet is the play's heroine and narrator.

“It's wild to be getting this show on stage,” said Katherine Leiden, who plays Lizzy. “I never could have predicted that we'd be here three years later. But we're finally making it happen.”

The Silver Spring Stage will present performance of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" on Friday, May 5, 8 p.m; Saturday, May 6, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday, May 7, 2 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, May 12-13, 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 14, 2 p.m., at The Writer's Center, which is located at 4508 Walsh St. in Bethesda. For ticket information visit The Silver Spring Stage website.