‘SENSE’ PROVIDES EMOTIONAL LIFT
Spectators were lifted up emotionally, like some of the characters literally, by a razzle-dazzle version of “Sense and Sensibility.”
The streamlined freewheeling version of Jane Austen’s 1811 novel was staged downstairs Aug. 2 at Oklahoma Shakespeare on the Paseo, 2920 Paseo.
Nine cast members had great fun performing the wild and wacky OSP offering, adapted by Kate Hamill for a 2014 New York City production.
In it, wild gestures ruled, with people lifted, dances, banquets, horses and carriages pantomimed, and furniture turned into dinner tables or sick beds.
Madeline Dannenberg and Ashley Frisbee led the energetic ensemble as the two older Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne.
Dannenberg was excellent as Elinor, getting her man, the equally inhibited Edward, played with the right reticence by Joseph Burleigh, in the long, long run.
Frisbee made us suffer with her as the one who goes out in the rain, and falls for the feckless but well-intended Willoughby, well-played by Wil Rogers.
Other performers were outstanding in keeping their multiple roles straight, and making the most of their many moments to shine.
Burleigh managed to play Elinor’s love interest, as well as Mrs. Jennings, in a bonnet, who takes the sisters to London to look for marriageable mates.
Becca Mitchell got across the mischievous pithy presence of Lucy Steele, and David Fletcher-Hall was richly comic as a doctor, servant and gossip.
Lindsey Rollins had ample presence as Mrs. Dashwood, and was funny as Anne Steele, while Bianca Bulgarelli was charming as a sister, still too young to suffer.
Tyler Woods supplied a crucial contrast as Colonel Brandon, the solid and supportive, but older possible suitor for Marianne, giving Edward the church job he really wants.
Wearing white or off- white costumes, just suggestive enough of the play’s Regency Era period, actors dealt well with the long, demanding, ultimately rewarding production.
Directed with a lively sense of fun, nuance and seriousness when necessary, by Oklahoma City native Laura Standley, it is highly recommended.
Performances in the intimate basement theater space continue through Aug. 25.