Jewel Box Theatre Presents an Excellent Collaboration between Jane Austen and Holly McNatt with “Sense and Sensibility”
Alex Ewald as Edward Ferrars gaxing adoringly at Lindsay Seaman as Elinor Dashwood. Photo courtesy of David Bricquet.
One of the most beloved names in literature is Jane Austen author of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park among other novels. Her stories reflect her time and her time is Regency. She was born in 1775 and died at only 41 years of age. The Regency period is the period where King George III was indisposed enough so that his son and heir to the throne ruled in his stead until George III passed away and the regency ended and George IV ascended the throne. The status of women has historically been only through marriage. With very few exceptions the only professional option for women was marriage or prostitution. Jane Austen was fortunate in being one of the rare exceptions through the publication of her novels. And her novels highlight the stark reality of the feminine plight. Husband hunting is first and foremost a necessary and sometimes desperate activity. Austen’s novels reflect this circumstance with sympathy and humor. ‘Sense and Sensibility’ is an excellent example of the serious endeavor and tells of the Dashwood Sisters who are of marriageable age. The three Dashwood sisters are Elinor who is the eldest, Marianne who is next and Margaret who is still too young to be concerned about her own marriage and is still free to giggle while her sisters navigate the marital market scene.
The Jewel Box Theatre presentation of “Sense and Sensibility” is directed by Holly McNatt with 16 characters portrayed by 15 actors. McNatt also adapted the play directly from the novel for this production creating a very workable script. Updating a play for a modern audience in the adaptation is often a very challenging task, but McNatt has been able to maintain the integrity of Austen’s novel and at the same time developing the universal timelessness of the piece. While the play is set in the Regency period McNatt pays homage to modern perspectives in the very unique and interesting attitude of the characters. This elevates the humor and makes the play very enjoyable for Jewel Box patrons.
Mike Waugh as John Dashwood. Sense and Sensibility at Jewel Box Thetre. Photo courtesy of David Bricquet.
Mike Waugh plays John Dashwood and his character is commanding but gentle as he introduces us to the romantic adventures of his 3 younger sisters. Elinor is the eldest, she is a lovely and serene creature with a very sensible approach to life. Lindsay Seamon plays her beautifully revealing her graceful beauty alongside her practical nature. Marianne is next, she is emotional and exuberant anxious to revel in the experiences romantic life has to offer. Tiffany Tuggle plays Marianne with sensitivity and charm that remains paramount in spite of her tears, which seem never-ending! Tuggle has the unusual ability to weep convincingly for long periods but avoiding the red nose that other tearful types must endure. The two sisters are charmingly portrayed by these two actresses as they attempt to sort out the courting pitfalls that they must endure. The youngest sister, Margaret is still too young to be the object of affection, but she is old enough to be fascinated. Summer Nolan plays Margaret and her bubbly personality with excellent insight.
The young ladies must vie for the attention of gentlemen Edward Ferrars played by Alex Ewald, Colonel Brandon played by David Bricquet and John Willoughby played by Tyler Malinauskas. All three of these fellows are eligible gentlemen with good personalities who come across as kind gentle men. Of course it will eventually develop that one of them will turn out to be a cad and break Marianne’s heart, cause her incessant tears, until the next gentleman comes along and behaves like a gentleman.
It is impossible to mention all of the enjoyable characters created by this ensemble, other than to state that all were very well done. Standout performances that should be noted come from Glen Hallstrom as Thomas Palmer and Brittany Atkins as Charlotte Palmer. They make an exceptionally funny couple!
Tyler Malinauskas as John Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility. Photo courtesy of David Bricquet,
“Sense and Sensibility” runs March 16, 2023 through April 2, 2023 at Jewel Box Theatre located in Disciples First Christian Church at 321 NW 36th in Oklahoma City. Visit www.JewelBox OKC.com or call 405-521-1786 for tickets, information or directions to be sure and catch this amusing show. Jewel Box Theatre has been responsible for superb community theatre for decades and are now in the 65th exciting season. Curtain is 8: 00 pm for evening performances with a 2:30 pm Sunday Matinee.
“Sense and Sensibility” runs March 16, 2023 through April 2, 2023 at Jewel Box Theatre located in Disciples First Christian Church at 321 NW 36th in Oklahoma City. Visit www.JewelBox OKC.com or call 405-521-1786 for tickets, information or directions to be sure and catch this amusing show. Jewel Box Theatre has been responsible for superb community theatre for decades and are now in the 65th exciting season. Curtain is 8: 00 pm for evening performances with a 2:30 pm Sunday Matinee.
“Sense and Sensibility” runs March 16, 2023 through April 2, 2023 at Jewel Box Theatre located in Disciples First Christian Church at 321 NW 36th in Oklahoma City. Visit www.JewelBox OKC.com or call 405-521-1786 for tickets, information or directions to be sure and catch this amusing show. Jewel Box Theatre has been responsible for superb community theatre for decades and are now in the 65th exciting season. Curtain is 8: 00 pm for evening performances with a 2:30 pm Sunday Matinee.