SOUTH SALT LAKE — Whenever Jane Austen’s work comes to life on stage with its feelings of romance and situational drama, the joy of life permeates my soul. Parker Theatre took a chance on adapting their own version of Sense and Sensibility in a brave, character driven way. I was enamored by the intimate moments and the fluid swiftness of the story. Even as a die-hard Austen purist, it’s something that I was grateful to have the chance to see and imagine what I would like to enjoy in an adaptation.
Production Team
Adapted by Spencer and Jasmine Hohl, this rendition was witty, full of romance, and kept all the most vital moments of Austen’s book. As the director, Spencer Hohl, did a fine job of getting the actors to move around with interesting blocking. I liked the vibrant energy of some characters like Mrs. Jennings and Sir John Middleton.
When Sir John says his line, “We don’t set upon ceremony here” while licking grease off his fingers, my daughter and I were in a fit of giggling. He was yelling every line, which, after a while, I didn’t think was necessary to convey his overbearing and obtrusive personality, but it certainly made the point.
Many performers were way more over-the-top emotionally than I expected. I suppose it was a director’s choice, though it took me out of the reality of the moment sometimes, I was able to see the humor in that choice, and it was easier for my twelve year old to follow the story, which helped. It also gave other characters the opportunity to shine when the moment was right, like Elinor, who was portrayed as reserved until the end. The dramatization also provided my favorite directed/written scene which was the moment Fanny finds out about Lucy and unearths her rage.
I feel lucky to see a show from the 1800s because costumes are so beautiful and creative. Lauri Baird brought the world of Jane Austen to life with accurate period costume design. I loved the long flowing gowns with vibrant colors, like Lucy Steele’s layered variations of green. When the ball started and people came in with their fancy attire, the suits and dresses were eye catching. Fanny Dashwood with curtain tassels on every seam, and Elinor and Marianne in equally stunning satin with delicate lace embroidery going down the side. Colonel Brandon was sporting a black and red military coat, and I especially loved the ball gown worn by the wealthy Miss Gray, which had a long satin train and looked very regal. The most breathtaking dress was Elinor’s last one of the show, which was such a beautiful shade of pink with roses embroidered on the sleeves and skirt.
The set was also impressive, designed by James B. Barker, with tall archways and walls that slid in from the sides. I loved the fine details of the large set pieces that filled the whole proscenium stage picture, with the wallpaper in vintage color combinations of gold damask on a dark background. When there was a garden scene, the shade of the trees was cast in a pattern across the stage, making it feel like they were walking through a beautiful grove. The backdrop changed to a peaceful stone bridge with arches, and showed the sun setting as time passes. These moments were made more meaningful with such scenery.
Actors
Edward Ferrars was played by Truman Schipper with all the characteristics of Edward from the book. His performance was my favorite, and with this adaptation, I was able to see more of his endearing qualities than in other versions of this play. I don’t know if he meant to do it, but when he came out of the rain with his wet coat and set it on the chair and then sat on it, I felt like that was exactly what awkward and insecure Edward would do.
Jasmine Hohl played Elinor Dashwood skillfully, adding to her charm by effectively showing how difficult it was for her to hold in emotion and stay “respectable” at all times. Her performance at the end led me to tears. I appreciated how well she was able to convey to the audience her inner feelings without seeming to let the other characters see it. In fact, Spencer Hohl often had his actors turn to face the audience, away from what the others on stage could see, so we could be privy to their feelings, which I enjoyed.
Isabelle Purdie played Marianne and had such similar expressions to the 1995 movie that I thought I was watching Kate Winslet at times. I loved her intensity, even exaggerated because she owned every moment and put her heart into the show. I was grateful to see her character arc which felt natural and more believable than other versions. Colonel Brandon, played by Jordan Palmer, was also interesting and likeable. I wish Spencer Hohl had spent more time working on their moments together at the end because I never saw it fully saw opening up and embracing Marianne’s vibrant nature on Palmer’s side. I’d have loved even a few lover’s secret looks between the two of them, to let the audience know without a doubt they had each found their person.
Recommendation
This is a wonderful show to see on a date, or with family, especially for Jane Austen fans. The writing and directing were satisfying, and the overall look was beautiful. The acting made the show come to life in the best way. The Parker Theatre has also done a lovely job of matching their concessions to the shows, and it was nice to see all the fitting options to enjoy during the play, with strawberries and fancy cheeses and other romantic snacks. They can be a good distraction so you don’t get too swept off your feet by the dashing Wiloughby!
MORE INFO: Parker Theatre’s production of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY runs January 31 – March 7th at 3605 S. State St. South Salt Lake City. Adult tickets are $23. For tickets and more info, visit www.parkertheatre.org.