The cast of Sense and Sensibility. Photo by Avery Brunkus.
Attention Jane Austen fans: There is a fabulous new production of one of your favorite Austen novels, Sense and Sensibility, playing in Madison, NJ. Don’t miss your chance to see the time honored classic unfold live onstage at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ).
Fans of Jane Austen have been on the rise the last few years. STNJ’s Artistic Director Brian B. Crowe recently shared thoughts on this:
“We are thrilled to showcase this great, classic writer once again,” says Artistic Director Brian B. Crowe. “Though it has never waned, Austen’s popularity has certainly been given a huge boost through Shonda Rhimes’ Bridgerton series, and we are pleased to turn audiences’ attention back to the groundbreaking author who inspired that pop-culture hit. It’s been nearly two decades since Jane Austen graced our stage when Bonnie J. Monte’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was presented in 2006. Since then, Austen has been a popular request from our patrons, and it seems appropriate that the actress who delightfully brought Jane Bennett to life in that celebrated production now returns to direct this one.”
So whether you are a longtime Jane Austen groupie or a recent convert to the genre, Sense and Sensibility is sure to provide a wonderful theater visit for you. It has romance, compelling characters, as well as love and heartbreak. Helping carry this all out is an outstanding cast and superb staging to bring the story to life.
The play runs about 3 fast paced hours with an intermission. The production is based on an adaptation of the novel written by Jessica Swale.
The Story Focuses on the Dashwood Sisters
Mandi Masden as Elinor Dashwood, Lynnette R. Freeman as Mrs. Dashwood, Terra Chaney as Margaret Dashwood, and Billie Wyatt as Marianne Dashwood. Photo by Avery Brunkus.
The story told in Sense and Sensibility focuses on the three Dashwood sisters and their mother. Their father’s recent death leaves them with grave concerns about how they will survive without him. At first, finances do not seem to be problem as Mr. Dashwood left word with his brother, John Dashwood, to ensure that 1500 lbs. be given every year. Supposedly, that would allow them to stay in their house.
Enter John Dashwood’s wife who convinces him to take back the home where the Dashwood women live and not provide the money. This leaves Margaret Dashwood and her three daughters in a bad situation.
But this was a time period where women did not have much or any control over financial matters. Nisi Sturgis, who directs this production, suggests the following about how Jane Austen handles this dilemma in her writing:
She’s a nascent feminist whose characters are often in the tug of war between being true to oneself and compromising oneself to exist within a society’s rules, standards and expectations: the constant balancing of existence and coexistence.
This is a good description of what takes place in the story. The Dashwood women recognize the need to be under the care and production of a man. But they also want to exercise control over their own lives. Luckily, John Middleton invites the four women to live in a cottage on his estate. It is smaller than their home was but they gratefully accept the offer.
But what next?
Is it a Man Hunt or Vice Versa?
The Dashwood sisters may have recognized the need for marriages in their lives. However, the males who enter their lives are pretty smitten with them and not just for finances. Enter Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon. Nice gentlemen who are a bit on the quiet side but smitten none the less with Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Young sister Margaret is a charming little girl but still too young for a romance.
Then, the oh so charming Willoughby comes on the scene showing great attraction and attention to Marianne who eats it all up. She even agrees to go to Willoughby’s home unchaperoned (a huge no-no back in the day) and listens as he tells her this will all be yours one day. As you watch this unfold, you just know he is up to no good. Later in the play someone calls him a “rogue.” Yes, a good description.
Marianne and Elinor venture on a trip to London where they learn unfortunate news about things Willoughby is involved with – hint: it’s another woman. Marianne takes it hard but she has the love of her sisters to help bolster her up.
This love between the sisters is one of the most endearing parts of the play. Amidst great misfortune, this love between the sisters and their mother provides the strength they need. Eventually each finds their own good match and all ends happily. So yes, they somehow adhere to the expectations of the times but they also know that they have the ability to endure through difficult times as well.
The Cast Provides Noteworthy Performances
The ensemble cast unites new and veteran company members, including Mandi Masden as Elinor and Billie Wyatt as as Marianne. The cast also features Terra Chaney as Margaret Dashwood and Lucy Steele, Lynette R. Freeman as Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Dashwood, and Christian Frost as Willougby.
Sean Mahan plays Colonel Brandon. It should be noted that some cast members play two or more roles. Patrick Andrew Jsmes is seen as Edward Ferrars and Mr. Palmer. Kayla Ryan Walsh is Fanny Dashwood and Mrs. Jennings, and Patrick Toon plays five roles: Sir John, Mr. Dashwood, Thomas, Mr. Perks, and Doctor.
And the Staging is Outstanding
The stage at STNJ is a nice size for plays. However, much is done with the sets for this show to enhance it even more. This adds a lot of interest to the actions taking place.
The time and place is 1797 and scenes take place in various locations in England including Norland Park, Devonshire, London, and Cleveland.
The amazing creative team for the production includes scenic designer Brittany Vasta, costume designer Sophie S. Schneider. The lighting designer is Anthony Galaska, and sound designer is Liam Bellman-Sharpe. Kimiye Corwin is the dance consultant and Julie Foh is the dialect consultant. Mary Garrigan stage manages.
To Go to the Show
Single tickets for Sense and Sensibility begin at $39 for preview performances and begin at $57 for regular performances. Prices range from $39 to $77. The Theatre offers various cost-saving opportunities,
For tickets, patrons can call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit shakespeareNJ.org.
Check with the Box Office or online for final performance dates.
