A preview from the Director
Wellsville’s Bella Wenslow plays Jane Austen
From the Palmer Opera House,
This play tells Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice tale with at twist. The performance incorporates letters from Jane Austen as well as social media buzz about the story. It is faithful to the book, with additional wit and charm that is sure to please those who love Austen as well as those who are new to her work.
The Palmer Opera House in Cuba, NY has its next theatrical production on February 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Pride@Prejudice—yes, @ not &—is a delightful play that uses only 6 actors to portray Jane Austen and 21 characters from her beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice. The play also incorporates a modern twist: the use of internet social forums, gaming and social media to explore the ins and outs of this classic work. Playwright Daniel Elihu Kramer has seamlessly intertwined the life and letters of Jane Austen, the fictional world of the Bennets and Mr. Darcy, and the modern digital domain, creating a poignant and humorous rendering of one of the most-loved novels in English literature.
Only one actor in this production plays a single character: Bella Wenslow of Wellsville portrays the omnipresent Jane Austen. We learn about Jane’s life and experiences through her letters. The other actors assume the roles of present-day individuals as well as Pride and Prejudicecharacters. The role of Elizabeth Bennet is assumed by Amanda Cox, a skilled actress and professor at Houghton University. Ryan Keib plays both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins, two characters who are polar opposites. This is Ryan’s 4th appearance on the Palmer Opera House stage. The other 18 roles are played by Caroline Bremner, Ashley LaBombard and Paul Nelson. The myriad of costume, voice and posture changes that these actors assume to play their roles is phenomenal and well-worth the cost of admission. Caroline, the choral director at Olean High School, is relatively new to acting but is spot-on in her 4 roles. Ashley, who appeared in God of Carnage at the Opera House last June, has appeared in 25 shows throughout her time in theatre. Paul Nelson has been in theatre for 45 years and has the great challenge of playing 8 roles in this show. These talented, veteran actors have won numerous performance awards from the Theatre Association of New York State in the past, and their remarkable abilities are continually on display in this show.
Pride@Prejudice hits the stage of the Palmer Opera House at 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday, February 2nd and 3rd, and at 2:00pm on Sunday, February 4th. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased online at simpletix.com/e/pride-prejudice-tickets-153423. Tickets will also be available at the door. The price is $15 for General Admission and $12 for veterans.
Make plans to see this show and be transported to the world of Pride and Prejudice.
