Friends and family gather for Georgiana's recital. (Kevin Berne/Marin Theatre Company)
Playwrights Lauren M. Gunderson and Margot Melcon
follow some of the principal characters in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” in
a trilogy set at Pemberley at Christmastime.
Marin Theatre Company is staging the world premiere
of the third installment, the delectable “Georgiana and Kitty, Christmas at
Pemberley.”
This one starts in 1815 at the country estate of
Fitzwilliam Darcy (Daniel Duque-Estrada), where the five Bennet sisters have
gathered to celebrate the holiday.
Joining them is Darcy’s younger, unmarried sister,
Georgiana (Lauren Spencer), who’s the best friend of Kitty Bennet (Emilie
Whelan). She’s also an accomplished pianist and composer.
Unbeknownst to Darcy, Kitty has invited another
guest, the shy Henry Grey (played in the Nov. 27 matinee by understudy Nic A. Sommerfeld),
who has admired Georgiana and her music ever since a recital she gave a year
ago.
He’s urged along by his outgoing friend, Thomas
O’Brien (Adam Magill). However, the potential romance between Henry and
Georgiana is thwarted by a misunderstanding that sends the two men on their
way.
Set in 1835 at Georgiana’s home in London, Act 2
takes on a feminist tone. She’s about to give a piano recital benefiting her
fledging organization to promote women musicians. By then there’s a second
generation to the family.
There’s also a fortunate coincidence that brings
Georgiana and Henry together at last.
As directed by Meredith McDonough, the nine-member
ensemble cast creates natural, believable and interesting characters. Three of
the women take on dual roles as the younger generation in Act 2.
The production is greatly enhanced by Fumiko
Bielefeldt’s costumes, especially for the women. The handsome set is by Nina
Ball with lighting by Wen-Ling Liao and sound by Madeleine Oldham.
Composer Jenny Giering serves as musical director.
All of these elements combine to create a joyful,
uplifting way to celebrate the holidays.
Running about two hours and 10 minutes with an
intermission, “Georgiana and Kitty, Christmas at Pemberley” will continue
through Dec. 19 at Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley.
For tickets and information, including COVID
protocols, call (415) 388-5208 or visit https://www.marintheatre.org/tickets/box-office-info.
