Event

Sense & Sensibility

A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters - sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne - after their father's sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. Set in gossipy late 18th-century England, with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humor, emotional depth, and bold theatricality. SENSE AND SENSIBILITY examines our reactions, both reasonable and ridiculous, to societal pressures. When reputation is everything, how do you follow your heart?

This is an incredibly smart, hysterical adaptation that was an off-Broadway hit last year. We are staging it in a way Ive never seen it done before in theatre: on wheels around campus, Mike Levin, director, says. Were bringing Austens work about love and gossip and putting it in a modern context in making the setting a high school.
The original stage production retained the 18th century setting. Set in England in the early 1790s, this stage adaptation of Jane Austens novel centers around a young aristocratic, Elinor Dashwood, and her sister, Marianne. Their fathers death at the beginning of the story cripples the familys finances, leaving them with uncertain futures and forcing them to move to the country.
Elinor is falling hard in love with Edward Ferrars, a 23-year-old bachelor. He represents all that is gentlemanly, lacking only a conventionally handsome face to complete the package. Their romantic hopes with each other are hindered due to Edwards prior engagement, unbeknownst by Elinor at first. Marianne, beautiful but bereft of a dowry, is torn between the handsome and fickle John Willoughby and the middle-aged Colonel Brandon. Both Elinor and Marianne strive for love while the circumstances in their lives constantly change.
This is a perfect play to adapt to a high school setting with teenaged, young professional actors.