Cappies Review: 'Pride and Prejudice' At St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School

By Autumn Frank of Oakton High School

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." But must the woman be in want of a husband? This question was answered in St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School's recent production of "Pride and Prejudice," which transported the audience back in time to a world of empire waists, scandalous letters, and a whole lot of love.

"Pride and Prejudice" is a play adapted by Jon Jory and based on the world-renowned novel of the same name, written by Jane Austen in 1813. It takes place in the English countryside in the 19th century, and tells the story of the five Bennet sisters, who are all unmarried and encouraged to find husbands. One sister in particular, Elizabeth, is strong-willed and choosy in her lovers...and then she meets Mr. Darcy. Despite their initial animosity for each other, hearts soften over time and the two reluctantly find themselves in love.

A classic romance story, the production contained many loveable characters. Memorable performances included Charlotte Nichols as the witty Elizabeth Bennet, whose poised demeanor shifted to angry and resolved while rejecting proposals and standing up for the other Bennet sisters, and Max Gehlhoff as the noble Mr. Darcy, who stayed admirably focused and in-character despite having to stay frozen and silent onstage for long periods of time.

Additionally, Elizabeth Rutter stood out portraying Mrs. Bennet, a vociferous and ill-mannered woman. Rutter commanded the stage and used many emotional gesticulations, making the character seem more believable.

As a whole, the Bennet sisters had charming chemistry, and their personalities meshed to create a tight knit family dynamic. The two youngest, Kitty and Lydia (portrayed by Reesey Lai and Catie Poersch), whispered giddily to each other at any mention of a boy, and all five communicated effortlessly through eye contact and discreet gestures.

Bringing historical authenticity to the stage, the costumes (Indira Brown, Elona Michael, Cate Nickson, and Grace Hendy), which were heavily researched for accuracy, incorporated empire waist silhouettes, decorative bonnets, and even maid outfits for the running crew, adding a flair to the show. The lighting (Wyatt Stanton, Arleigh Womack, Ryiee Michael) included red and pink hues throughout the performance, symbolizing romance and femininity. Additionally, the production utilized ballroom dance choreography (Gabriella Miller Milow and Elizabeth Rutter) with proper etiquette and elegance, and the dances were accompanied by a string quartet, playing music arranged and organized by Tate Commission that sounded authentic to Jane Austen's time.

All in all, St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School's production of Pride and Prejudice was a production worth taking pride in.