‘Christmas at Pemberley’ a gift

Orlando Shakes’ show is a rom-com with some deeper truths.

Think of Orlando Shakes’ “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” as a rom-com — a Meg Ryan-level rom-com. For “Pemberley” sparkles like newly fallen snow: Light as a feather, yet with some deeper truths. Funny but poignant. Unexpectedly touching. And is it romantic? Oh, yes. “Christmas at Pemberley” is the holiday gift I didn’t even know I wanted.

The source material is Austen’s 1813 novel “Pride and Prejudice,” which provides characters of depth and charm. This sequel is by Margot Melcon and Lauren Gunderson, the latter being the playwright responsible for such gems as “I and You” and “Silent Sky.”

The story starts with a time-honored formula: A shy and bookish young woman, in this case Mary Bennet, gets a chance at love. As “Christmas at Pemberley” opens, Mary is visiting her sister Elizabeth at the grand estate she runs with her husband, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Sister Jane, expecting her first child, is also a guest, along with her husband, Charles Bingley. Sister Lydia is expected — but not her odious husband, George Wickham.

“Pride and Prejudice” aficionados will recognize the names, of course, and there are hidden treats for those in the know. But you don’t have to be an Austen expert to be amused by the proceedings. Director Anne Hering has just the right touch with the flirting, the awkwardness, the raised eyebrows. She and the playwrights never mock these characters — even wayward Lydia or entitled Anne de Bourgh. Hering treats them like old friends, which is how they then feel to the audience.

The cast simply glows with the warmth of love, of new beginnings, of Christmas itself. Kristin Shirilla gives Mary a bracing inner strength and the sense that although this highly accomplished woman has her occasional doubt, on the whole she’s just fine with who she is. And she can deliver with bite a line such as “I would rather marry an interesting plant than an idiot man.” Cameron Francis, as shy Arthur, is her perfect match. He doesn’t overplay his character’s unworldliness but creates an endearing portrait of a man who has lived his life in books and is surprised to find he must now deal with reality.

The confidants to these two twinkle at the fun: Lauren Culver as still-spirited Elizabeth, Samantha Potak as serene Jane, Preston Ellis as the boyishly enthusiastic Bingley and Brett D. Waldon as Mr. Darcy, his aloofness melted by love — but still looking for a little peace and quiet in his crowded house. Brandy Bell and Jillian Gizzi do fine work in making the antagonists not completely unlikable — and every good Christmas story needs to address the idea of redemption.

The detail in Chris McKinney’s set, Howard Vincent Kurtz’s lovely costumes and the pianoforte arrangements by Matthew Nielson — key to interpreting Mary’s moods — all add to the delight.

But are these characters still relatable? Well, after only an hour with her family, Elizabeth is snapping, “This behavior is not to be tolerated. It is Christmas!” Even in this season of love, that moment will likely resonate with more than a few.