Jane Austen’s beloved novel will come to life in a sparkling new adaptation in University Theatre’s upcoming production of “Pride and Prejudice,” opening Thursday, Nov. 7 with performances through Nov. 17.
Adapted by UW–Madison faculty members Aly Renee Amidei and Ann M. Shanahan, the production features a cast of 27 UW–Madison students who will bring Austen’s signature wit and memorable characters — including the lively Elizabeth (Lizzy) Bennet and enigmatic Mr. Darcy — to the stage.
Shanahan, who also directs the show and chairs the School of Education’s Department of Theatre and Drama, shared her thoughts on the production in a video preview directed, produced, and edited by students Samantha Markus and AJ Stoffels, who plays Lizzy.
“As a young girl, I fell in love with these stories, and have loved them all my life. I came in with some worry that I was bringing in a favorite of mine that was outdated,” Shanahan says.
“Instead,” she adds, “what I’ve found is that in every age of student there’s such a deep and diverse connection to the story. It’s helped me to appreciate how deeply Jane Austen was making art.”
Amidei, an associate professor and associate chair in the Department of Theatre and Drama, echoes these sentiments, adding that the characters and themes in “Pride and Prejudice” continue to strongly resonate with audiences.
“It is a delightfully funny and heartwarming story,” she says, “about sisters, friends, and lovers making real human connections.”
Both Shanahan and Amidei brought to this project experience adapting classical texts for the stage — though Shanahan notes that Austen’s writing made the process remarkably smooth.
“Some of the things that come out of the characters’ mouths still take my breath away in terms of their currency,” she says. “We couldn’t for a million years write better lines than (Austen) was writing.”
“We didn’t really have to modernize,” Shanahan adds. “She was already working like 200 years ahead of her time.”
A collaborative approach — including conversations with the design team and with student cast members — also helped shape and refine the script.
With such a large cast, Shanahan says she worried “it would be difficult to find ownership across the group.” However, she found that having everyone work together “just expanded the possibilities and the contributions.”
“The result,” says Amidei, “will be a production that is uniquely ours and for our audiences which highlights the best of University Theatre.”
The show’s creative team includes a blend of UW–Madison faculty and staff, students, and guest artists — including UW–Madison alumni. The scenic designer, Jessica Wardell, earned her undergraduate degree from the Department of Theatre and Drama in 1998. In addition, vocal coach Liz Cassarino earned her MFA from the department in 2012.
Reflecting on why audiences should attend, Amidei underscores the healing power of live theatre, particularly during challenging times.
“In this tumultuous time, coming together as a community to support and enjoy stories of connection can be a balm for the soul,” she says.
University Theatre’s “Pride and Prejudice” opens this Thursday, and runs Nov. 7 – 17 in the Ronald E. Mitchell Theatre in Vilas Hall. To buy tickets, visit artsticketing.wisc.edu or call 608-265-2787.