‘Pride and Prejudice’ with a millennials’ twist
Jane Austen’s most popular book, “Pride and Prejudice,” the classic love story that has charmed readers for 200 years, becomes a live theatrical experience at the Mars Theatre in LaFayette, Georgia, beginning Friday, Aug. 2.
Back Alley Productions is bringing to life Austen’s compelling characters, but with a modern twist.
“We’re so excited to shake things up and bring this classic story into modern times, while retaining the original vernacular and writing,” director Madison Smith says.
“We are keeping the beautiful Regency language intact, but we also want the audience to connect their lives to the story, and understand that the social quirks in Austen’s lifetime still happen today. It’s easy to disassociate with a culture from 200 years ago — but we’re not all that much wiser about love nowadays like we assume we are,” Smith says.
“Pride and Prejudice” centers on headstrong Elizabeth Bennet, who refuses to give into pressure from her mother and society to marry as soon as possible. But can she truly resist love forever, especially as that vaguely charming and moderately irritating Mr. Darcy keeps showing up in her life at every turn?
Hertfordshire is relatively quiet until Mr. Bingley, a man of great fortune, arrives and shakes up the lives of the Bennet family. With five single daughters to marry, Mrs. Bennet sets off on a course to get her eldest daughters, Elizabeth and Jane, married to one of the eligible bachelors that come with Bingley. But is love ever so simple? Especially with the brooding Mr. Darcy constantly throwing things off with his abrasive, reluctant charm.
Smith notes that modern texting, social media and dating trends have only enhanced many of the themes in Austen’s work, making “Pride and Prejudice” more relevant than ever.
“Whether we like it or not, we still jump headfirst into relationships, or suppose ourselves better than the trap of love. We still rush to conclusions about each other based on the social gossip, it’s just online now. And we still roll our eyes at all the social requirements surrounding love, relationships and marriage — all the while completely falling for all the messiness when it’s our turn.”
Join Back Alley for plenty of drama, dancing, music, several proposals and a few rejections.
For tickets and more information: www.BAPshows.com. Tickets may be purchased online or at the box office 30 minutes before show time. Seating is first-come, first-served.