Quote of the Day: There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me. Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice

Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s popular novel Pride & Prejudice hit the Off-Broadway stages in November 2017. Park Square Theater had the regional premiere in November 2019, which I missed, but you can read about it from my colleague Jill at Cherry and Spoon. Theatre in the Round Players in Minneapolis, MN has mounted a delightful production of this classic tale with a modern interpretation that we thoroughly enjoyed! 

Photo courtesy of Theatre in the Round Players, Quote by fellow Twin Cities Theater Blogger, Rob Dunkelberger.

Director Penelope Parsons-Lord has staged an energetic and exciting interpretation of Pride & Prejudice. I loved the addition of modern music, sometimes done as instrumentals (like they do in the Bridgerton series) and sometimes the full song. They use it for dance scenes, as quiet underscore and during scene changes. Theatre in the Round needs flexibility in set design (Madison Bunnell). Actors move pieces in and out to fit the scene – a large, round ottoman to indicate the home, tables and chairs, and hints at outdoors or glamorous homes around the edges, chandeliers and picture frames hang from the ceiling. I’m always fascinated to see what TRP does with it’s set manipulation. The addition of lighting design (Alita Robertson) and sound (co-designers Robert Hoffman and Penelope Parsons-Lord) add much to setting the stage and creating the festive atmosphere of this production.

Photo courtesy of Theatre in the Round Players, Pride & Prejudice, thru 10/5/25.

What makes Pride & Prejudice so enduring, and endearing, is how it gives women a voice – from that era and today. Lizzy Bennet (Eva Gemlo) is a strong character. She knows what she wants and won’t bend to expectations and pressures from society, or her mother. Mr. Darcy (Luke Langfeldt) is a brooding, young man who also pushes aside society’s expectations. Maybe he doesn’t really know what he wants – besides being contrary – maybe, the heart knows for him, and he learns to act on that. 

Jane Bennet (Erika Sasseville) is much more conventional, but she has a determination that is also empowering. Mr. Bingley (Michael Hundevad) is a weird character to me. In this production, he is portrayed as puppy-like, carrying a ball, and being told to sit, stand, or stay by Darcy. He is also very funny. I appreciated the humor that they pulled out for Mary Bennet (Stephanie Kahle). She has a great scowl and no time for irritating people, plus a persistent cough that becomes a humorous character trait. 

Photo courtesy of Theatre in the Round Players, Pride & Prejudice, thru 10/5/25.

The entire mood of this production is playful. They begin with a sort of blindman’s bluff game at the beginning, part dance-part courtship, the music and actions drawing us in. Later in the play, the men do a sort of ritual dance for the ladies as they sit on that round ottoman and watch. It’s both hilarious and athletic. The men really shine in this scene, and the audience loved it!

The entire cast of Pride & Prejudice at Theatre in the Round Players is high energy and all in. They are delightful to watch. I would recommend this show to anyone. I heard that the run is nearly sold out, so please call the box office to check for tickets or get on a waiting list. This really is a fun show!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Why do you think P&P is so popular? Do you have a “how I met my significant other” story?