a divine holiday comedy by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon
directed by Stephanie Shine+
December 4-22, 2019
on the Owen and Margaret Wellford Tabor Stage
Anonymously sponsored in memory of Barry Gilmore
REGIONAL PREMIERE
One of the most popular plays in America, Miss Bennet is set two years after Austen’s novel ends, continuing her story only this time with bookish middle sister Mary as the unlikely heroine. As Christmas 1815 approaches on the grand estate of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, you will be invited into the Pemberley library – complete with an odd, new, large seasonal item: a Christmas Tree.
Mary has grown tired of her role as the dutiful sister in the face of her sisters’ romantic escapades, and as the family gathers for the seasonal celebration an unexpected guest sparks her hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possible even love.
“This lovely play explores the generosity of a family that dares to see each other in a new light,” says Shine. “Each of the Bennet sisters has a new journey, and we get to focus on middle sister Mary, often overshadowed by her splendid siblings. She asks us all to consider if one ‘can live a large life in mind alone?’ For those who love Pride and Prejudice, this is a special treat. Imagine meeting the literary characters you have loved two years after the end of Austen’s novel, and finding them even more delightful in their maturity — and as witty and kind as ever.”
TSC’s professional cast features Boston’s Lydia Barnett-Mulligan* (Helena in TSC’s 2015 production of All’s Well That Ends Well) as Mary Bennet, Marion Claire Hayner* as Jane Bingley, Merit Koch as Elizabeth Darcy, Tyler J. Vernon as Charles Bingley, Dean Coutris as Mr. Darcy, Joe Leitess as Arthur De Bourgh, Lauren Gunn as Lydia Wickham, and Emily McCormick as Anne De Bourgh.
The design team includes scenic designer Brian Ruggaber, costume designer Alexandria Perel-Sams, lighting designer Jeremy Fisher, sound designers Eric Sefton and Jason Eschhofen, and properties designer Lindsay Taylor. The production stage manager is Leanna Keyes*, and the assistant stage manager is Alison Letsos.
Tiered seating tickets to Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley range from $15-39. TSC will host Free Will Kids’ Night for all three Thursday performances: December 5, 12, and 19. Parents may bring up to four children ages 17 years and younger to attend for free with the purchase of one adult ticket. Free Will tickets are limited based on availability and must be purchased in person at the TSC Box Office.
Two new performance nights have been added: Tuesday, December 17 and Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30 pm.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley was originally produced by BJ Jones and Timothy Evans of the Northlight Theatre in Chicago. TSC’s production is presented by a special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. in New York. This production is funded under grant contract with the State of Tennessee.
Performances:
Previews: December 4 and 5 at 7:30 pm
Opening: December 6 at 7:30 pm (with post-show reception with actors)
Evenings: December 7 and 12-14 and 17-21 at 7:30 pm
Matinees: December 8 and 15 and 22 at 3:00 pm
+ member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent national labor union.
* member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
