Mask and Mirror Community Theatre will continue its Main Stage season with Kate Hamill’s bold and lively reimagining of Jane Austen’s timeless classic Pride and Prejudice. Directed by Kathleen Bean Jones, the updated play will be produced on The Main Stage at Rise Church, 10445 Canterbury Lane, Tigard, February 28-March 16. Performance times for the three weekends are 7:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 Sundays.
Hamill’s contemporary adaptation presents Jane Austen as never experienced before and explores the absurdities and thrills of finding one’s perfect – or imperfect – match in life. This fresh, boisterous, and timely offering is filled with romance, drama, humor, warmth, and social commentary, which will leave the audience swooning.
Jones’ impressive cast bringing Austen’s iconic characters to life features Sophie Duntley as Elizabeth Bennet, Jeremy January as Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Karen Johnson as Mrs. Bennet, Mark Putnam as Mr. Bennet, Allison Burke as Jane Bennet, Shianna Deck-Ugelstad as Lydia Bennet, Sophia Serrano-Dodd as Mary Bennet, Colemen Smith as Mr. Bingley, Mercy McVicker as Miss Bingley, Dakota Taylor as Mr. Collins, Emelia Corazza as Charlotte Lucas, Daniel Beals as Wickham, Diana LoVerso as Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Bethany Kemper as Miss de Bourgh, and Mars Amante, David Jones, Sarah Vertner, Ainsley Brown, Everly Moors, Eliza Thiebes, and Molly Wahlgren comprising the Ensemble.
Jones’ crew includes Voni Kengla as Choreographer, John Knowles as Production Manager, Mars Amante and David Jones as Co-Stage Managers, Annie Jones as Assistant Stage Manager and Dance Captain, Jodi Johnson, her assistant Kat Carrico, and Kathleen Bean Jones as Costumers, Cindy Zimmerman as Set Dresser, Anita Brown as Hair and Makeup, Steve Hotaling for Light and Sound Design and Light and Sound Operator, Beth Moore as Poster Design/Social Media, Dwayne Thurnau as Box Office, and John Knowles, John Bartholomew, and Rick Hoover as Set Construction.
In sharing her excitement in directing this bold and witty show, Jane Austen Society member Jones enthusiastically states, “Literature’s greatest tale of latent love has never felt so theatrical and full of life as in this effervescent adaptation. Audience members will be welcomed by live music playing beloved songs from the Regency Era, and the extraordinarily talented cast will draw them into this beloved story. As a lifelong lover of Jane Austen, I am excited to share this experience with the audience.
“While my entire cast is a dream to work with, I am especially pleased to have found Sophie Duntley to portray Elizabeth Bennet. Sophie actually lived in Bath, England, as did Jane Austen, and has a masters degree in directing from Bath University. Her portrayal of one of the most famous literary characters ever is nothing short of astounding.
“Live music will come from Allison Burke who also plays Jane Bennet. A former Miss Oregon 2023, Allison is a violin virtuoso whose musical talent will bring the audience to its feet with her lively renditions of classical music.
“This production will send you on an emotional roller coaster with its comedy, drama, and heart courtesy of the extraordinarily talented actors who embody their roles. Four young students from the school where I teach theater are involved in the play as well, and I am ecstatic to introduce a whole new generation to the immense joy of Jane Austen’s works.
“I encourage everyone to come and enjoy this family-friendly version of Pride and Prejudice, which will bring the Regency Era right to the heart of Tigard. Discover for yourself why this story remains so popular even after 225 years!”
Mask & Mirror Community Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit performing company. Your support is very much appreciated. Additional information can be obtained by visiting www.maskandmirror.com.
