REVIEW: WLAC’S Pride and Prejudice

By Emilie Parten, The Reporter on the Rove

Everyone knows the story of Pride and Prejudice, the love story that defied social moray and made all of us hopeless romantic search for our own versions of Mr. Darcy. The original Jane Austen story is a masterpiece, with exceedingly deep characters, emotional backbone and multiple subplots that drive the overarching narrative forward, but the Warehouse Living Arts Center has played host to a rendition that includes all of Jane Austen’s idiosyncrasies and added a new layer of humor and fun, using the theme of playing games, to create a Pride and Prejudice that is fresh and new even with its vast familiarities.

Directed and cast by Frances Dodds, who has worked with the WLAC for many years running the Corsicana Children’s Theater program, she had a clear vision which was brought to life by her skilled and patient direction. Her stage Manager, Sarah Kitto, kept Mrs. Dodds organized, and helped the cast of players stay focused and driven on performing their absolute best. Sarah Ramsey served as assistant director, costumer, and music director, making sure everyone was comfortable and stylish in their garb. The trio crafted a masterful work of art, nearly selling out the seats for four performances and fully selling out the matinee on Sunday, March 2^nd.

The cast of sixteen were masterful in their performances, each, and everyone one of them giving a unique and often quirky element to their persona.

Lexie Ogburn who played the titular Elizabeth Bennet, gave her an endlessly entertaining sassiness that garnered a multitude of laughed while simultaneously making her emotions clear and deep.

Matthew Ritch, who portrayed the broody Mr. Darcy, had an easy smolder to him that drew sighs from the audience. His portrayal of Darcy was elegant and dignified.

Mayah Beishline, the actress behind the stunningly beautiful Jane Bennet, gave fantastic reactions to other characters making her a treasure to watch. She had a quiet dominance over the stage, somehow managing to easily blend into the scene while also vibrantly standing out.

Jake Wade, who designed the set for the play, also played the lovable Mr. Bingley, with full golden retriever energy that was played to perfection with vivacity and energetic magnetism.

The true showstopper was Lorelai Stampes, who played Mary Bennet. Every time she graced the stage, she drew the eye and played Mary to utter perfection, easily becoming a crowd favorite with her comedic timing and Mary’s innate wittiness.

Olivia Ritch played “horse-faced” Charlotte Lucas, who, like Ms. Jane, stood out while blending seamlessly in. Her line delivery was quick and sharp and, if the audience paid attention to her throughout the play, they would have seen subtle quirks and carefully choreographed subplot that unfolded with nary a word needed.

Ben Kilkenny, who played creepy and eccentric Mr. Collins, is only 18 years old and already a master of facial expressions and body language as a means of physical comedy. His hilarious use of body movements garnered him massive amounts of praise.

Catherine Johnson played the intimidating Lady Catherine De Bourgh, immediately overwhelming the audience with her stage presents and perfectly portrayed contempt. As one of the two “Villains” of the story, she provided a character that you both love to hate and cannot stop watching.

Jonas Ramsey, one of the youngest cast members for the show, played the charming and devious Mr. Wickham. While his stage presence was quiet, his expressive face made Wickham a fun character to observe while he practically oozed charm.

Deborah Grigsby and Nick Rustin have epic chemistry with each other, playing off of one another with legendary easy. Makayla Wiggins played the youngest Bennet daughter, 14-year-old Lydia. She gave Lydia a childishness that played well with the less than happy ending to Lydia’s story, delivering Lydia’s last lines with such raw emotion, the audience suffered a collective heartbreak.

Tempest Janeway, Rhiannon Rustin, and Bel Williams played the servants as well as orchestrating the scene changes with the precision of a German train schedule. They became a quick audience favorite with their end of set change snaps which had the audience joining in. The girls were quick and concise and added their own little moments of humor between the scene changes. Making the show entertaining to watch in all aspects.

The cast is a well-balanced group, each and every one dedicated to bringing out the most in their characters, making them unforgettable. The show was perfectly cast, and the love of the art was evident in every aspect of the show’s run.

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