'Pride and Prejudice' Staged at New Dawn Theater

New Dawn Theater Company’s production of “,” based on the classic novel by Jane Austen, opened (Feb. 24) in Historic Downtown Duluth.

The play runs through March 13 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. 

New Dawn Theater Company’s Sherry Ingbritsen is directing the production. “We chose this play because it is a wonderful literary classic,” said Ingbritsen. “New Dawn tries to do family-oriented productions that challenge and stimulate, as well as entertain. We choose plays that aren’t done often, but will delight the audience and keep them wanting to return.” The play is an adaptation by Helen Jerome.

This story seems to transcend time, Ingbritsen said. “It may take place in the 18th century, but the core values, the traditions and sense of family, especially sisterly love, are relevant even in today’s world.”

“People have been asking us to do this play for a long time, and we decided it was time. We wanted to make sure we chose the right time to do it, so that we could do our very best and do Ms. Austin justice. We hope we have done so.”

“Pride and Prejudice” is very different from anything New Dawn has ever done before, Ingbritsen said. “The set is huge and very detailed. The costumes and the characters are extraordinary. The cast and crew have worked very hard at putting this production together, and it has literally taken 24/7 for almost two months to get the set constructed, painted, costumes designed, props found, etc.” she said. “It literally took a village. I am very proud of them and hope our audience is too.”

The cast includes Mike Yow as Mr. Bennet, Cathy Seith as Mrs. Bennet, Jocelyn McElroy as Jane Bennet, Ashley Jones as Elizabeth Bennet, Melody Wauhaus as Mary Bennet, Catherine Barrow as Catherine Bennet, Hannah West as Lydia Bennet, Sharon Cagle as Lady Lucas, Nicole Ojeda-Johns as Charlotte, Lesley Davis as Miss Bingley, Chase McElroy as Mr. Darcy, Jay Croft as Mr. Collins, Aaron Glaze as Mr. Bingley, Greg Carey as Mr. Wickham and Pam Duncan as Lady Catherine. 

The setting for the play is England in the society of the landed gentry in 1780 to be exact, according to Ingbritsen. The Bennets have five daughters of marrying age, she explained. An entail has been set on the estate that upon the father’s death, if there are no sons or sons-in-laws, the home and all its belongings would go to their cousin Mr. Collins. But with eldest daughter Jane enamored of the elusive bachelor Mr. Bingley, and with daughter Elizabeth, who has a strong, independent will, not cooperating by accepting a proposal, that seems a likely prospect. “The story is one of love, romance, self worth, along with the pageantry of the day and some idle gossip to tie it all together,” Ingbritsen said.

New Dawn Theater Company is located at 3087 Main St. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students. Group rates and season tickets are available. Call 678-887-5015.