Review: Fall play proves unique and witty

If you’re looking for some wit, humor and romance to keep you entertained on a Saturday night, watch “Pride and Prejudice” tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. in the McAfee Center.

The show proved unique and unlike past fall plays. In the past, the stage lights would dim and backstage helpers would seamlessly change the contents of the set as fit. This year, however, scene changes occurred continually throughout the play, such as the transition from Longbourn to Pemberley, so all scene changes were done by the characters in partially dimmed light with soft Victorian music in the background, which allowed the audience to understand the continuity of the story.

Like the embedded scene changes, the narration and dialogue of the play were well integrated. For instance, one character would turn to the audience and narrate the beginning of a scene, but end with a phrase such as “But then Mr. Darcy … ” as Darcy began his line. This gave the audience a way to keep up with the thick English accents of the actors and the fast-paced dialogue.

Additionally, director Sarah Thermond’s choreography was simple yet appropriate because it did not distract from the characters’ dialogue during these scenes. Her choreography at the end of show utilized rhythm quite intelligently; by the third bow, the entire audience was clapping in sync.

As always, the acting was superb. In particular, the Bennet family was dynamic and captivating. Senior Neeki Tahmassebi and Austin Villanueva, who played Mrs. and Mr. Bennet, respectively, were an engaging pair. Tahmassebi kept the audience laughing and alert with her perfect portrayal of an overbearing mother who wastes no time in arranging her daughter’s marriages, while Villanueva’s calm yet sarcastic comments complimented Mrs. Bennet’s shrill behavior.

The two youngest sisters, Kitty and Lydia, played by sophomores Amelia Berardo and Hannah Yoon, respectively, were perfectly giggly as called for. Yoon played her character exceedingly convincingly, causing the audience to erupt in laughter when she raised her voice an octave and began fighting with her older sister in a way that many audience members could relate to. When Berardo got mad at Yoon, her childish sadness was not only convincing, but hilarious.

The two eldest sisters, Jane and Elizabeth, were played by junior Saya Sivaram and senior Emily Ludwig, respectively. Sivaram’s composure and kind intonation fit the character of Jane exceedingly well. Ludwig’s sassy and witty portrayal of Elizabeth was further exemplified through her articulate accents and subtle body movements.

Furthermore, junior Julie Cai who played Mary Bennet, had an impeccable accent. Her skill was apparent as her confidence on stage was exemplified during her first scene when she quite gracefully interrupted her entire family as she spoke eloquently about the definition of pride.

In addition to the Bennet family, their acquaintances were skillfully portrayed as well, allowing for an incredibly compelling and unique show. So what are you waiting for? Go buy your tickets if you haven’t already!