Overview
Synopsis
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife,” Lizzy Bennet laughs with the acuity and wit that has endeared her to generations of readers and, now, theatre goers alike. Jane Austen’s beloved classic novel is brought to fresh, fun new life in Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. There is little hope for the four Bennet sisters beyond “ensnaring” a wealthy future husband, but Lizzy dreams of more than the schemes and games of courtship. A young woman with a bright mind and free-spirit, she is determined to avoid the trappings of a loveless marriage while laughing at the foolish antics of others. When she meets the solemn Mr. Darcy, she immediately judges him to be all that she detests: proud, arrogant, rude and so without civility that she can hardly endure his presence. Lizzy comes to discover, however, that first impressions may not be all that they seem and that she must learn the true characters’ of others before jumping to harsh conclusions. Is there any way to grow past one’s prejudices? Even then, how can two partners ever be sure of their future happiness together? Hamill’s Pride and Prejudice is a delightful, zany, energetic take on the classic tale full of laughter, madcap characters, and heartfelt fun.
Show Information
- Book
- Kate Hamill
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2017
- Genres
- Romance
- Settings
- Period, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- Regency England, early 1800s
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Following the success of her adaptations of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair, production commenced on Kate Hamill’s Pride and Prejudice in 2017 at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in upstate New York. Directed by Amanda Dehnert, the premiere cast was led by Hamill herself in the role of Lizzy Bennet. The play was a hit and soon transferred to Primary Stages in New York City, where the show’s run was extended three times. _Pride and
to read the context for Pride and Prejudice and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
ACT ONE
The various characters play a game of Blind Man’s Bluff. Four of the young women--Lizzy Bennet, Jane Bennet, Lydia Bennet, and Charlotte Lucas--are led, blindfolded, to the center of a circle. They stumble and reach for the others, trying to correctly guess whoever they can grasp. The game is fun for all its participants, laughing and encouraging the blindfolded young women. The first to correctly guess and unmask is Charlotte, followed by Lydia, then Jane as the others quietly
to read the plot for Pride and Prejudice and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
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Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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