| Musicals
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Pride and Prejudice
Reviews The Canberra Review Performers Take Pride It's that age-old story of a proud man and a spirited woman, who despite all their assumed differences, fall in love. Pride and Prejudice is perhaps Jane Austin's signature literary work, and has been adapted to stage and screen many times. Local Canberra theatre company, Supa Productions Inc. has brought Pride and Prejudice to life, with a musical adaptation, performed by a cast with a wide range of theatrical and vocal experience. Director Stephen Pike has over 25 years experience on the Canberra theatrical scene, having performed in, directed, written and produced many productions. He is joined by Musical Director Andrea Clifford, who has experience in Australia and overseas performances. Andrea brings a wealth of musical knowledge, having arranged music for productions including My Fair Lady, Jesus Christ Superstar and Fame. The story centres around the Bennet family, namely Mrs. Bennet's urgent need to see her five daughters married off to the wealthiest suitors in the country, to ensure the continuation of the family estate. Played enthusiastically by Barbara Denham, Mrs. Bennet is a melodramatic character, who constantly agonises over her terrible plight. Her long-suffering husband, played by Gary Gledhill, is a composed many with a dry sense of humour, letting the female characters carry on around him with their flustering and angst. Helen Burbridge is Elizabeth Bennet, and given the time in which the novel was originally penned, a thoroughly modern character in terms of opinion and determination. Helen Burbridge uses her versatile singing voice, perfectly reflecting the changes in moods and attitudes experienced throughout the story. Perhaps the most spirited performance is from David Cannell, as Mr. Collins, heir to the Bennet estate, and a veritable wolf in sheep's clothing. Cannell brings high comedic value to the performance, and definitely knows how to impress an audience, and get the crowd entranced by his acting skills and vocal range. The remaining cast offers a fantastic range of acting and vocal skills, making this adaptation of Pride and Prejudice an enjoyable and highly entertaining night out. Audiences have so far been impressed with the cast performances. Theatregoer Simon Bourne was impressed with the musical version. "Not being overly familiar with the original novel, I have found tonight's performance to be well presented, I like the combination of drama, festivity and comedy. It all goes well together." He said. Pride and Prejudice runs at The Street Theatre from May 8 - 24. |
