Pride & Prejudice at Mendocino College
The Mendocino College Theatre Arts Department Presents Pride & Prejudice, by Kate Hamill, directed by Lucas Verbrugghe. The show runs for two weekends only, Octber 15th – 25th, in the Mendocino College Center Theatre on the Ukiah Campus.
Kate Hamill’s Pride & Prejudice is a rowdy and unapologetically modern take on Jane Austen’s classic novel. It tells the story of the Bennet sisters as they navigate the societal pressures of 19th century England. Infused with an irreverent, fast-paced wit, Hamill’s adaptation explores the absurdities of class, family, and tradition and shows us that the game of love hasn’t changed all that much in two hundred years. With ridiculous suitors, relentless mothers, and a gender-bending ensemble, this bold adaptation asks what it truly costs to be yourself in a world obsessed with status.
The ensemble cast features 16 talented actors that include current students, Mendocino College alums, and longtime veterans of the stage. The cast includes Scarlett Kephart, Emma Hill, May Gonzalez, Vera Lovdal, TinaMarie Spagnolo, Chris Arenz, Shannon Sawyer, Shianne Robertson, Elizabeth Leach, Miranda Swearengin, Liam Brewer, Maria Monti, Oliver Walsh, Myah Baisch, Jadyn Musselman-Chalmers, and Irie Wagar.
This production will feature costumes and scenery highlighting the work of students in Mendocino College’s CTE program in technical theatre under the direction of faculty & staff members Steve Decker, Kathy Dingman-Katz, and David Wolf. New Mendocino College Theatre Program Director Lucas Verbrugghe is directing, and Mendocino College student Theo Goodstein is stage manager.
Lucas Verbrugghe says, “This is not your grandma’s Pride & Prejudice. Kate Hamill captures the story of the Bennet Sisters and breathes new life into it. She takes the irony and deep social critique of Jane Austen, and adds a pinch of farce, and a dash of irreverence.”
Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday October 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, & 24 at 7:30 PM, and Sunday March 18 & 25 at 2 PM.
Tickets are $20 for General Admission; $15 for Students/Seniors. Pay-what-you-wish Preview is Thursday, October 15th. Gala Opening Night Tickets are $25 and include food and refreshments starting at 6:30pm. Special Discount show is Thursday, October 22nd (all tickets are $10). Advance tickets are available at the Mendocino Book Company in Ukiah, and online at www.ArtsMendocino.org beginning two weeks before the performances begin. For additional information, call (707) 468-3172.
