The world renowned novel, Pride and Prejudice is known to all who have made it through their high school English class. The story of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet bring to mind the conflict between two opposing opinions and people who let their pride and prejudice stand in the way of their own happiness, as well as those around them. This past weekend I had the pleasure of seeing a newly developed interpretation of this classic story – Pride & Prejudice: A Parisian Jazz Ballet.
Opening with Mr. Collins as the narrator giving his weekly sermon, this interpretation was lively and vivid. Set in a Cabaret, the Bennet sisters are star dancers who intrigue the British tourists Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley. Collins reminds us that looks can be deceiving. His reference to The Princess Bride with marriage and a dream within a dream. Throughout the production Mr Collins was the only character who spoke, telling the entire story and filling in the blanks that the dancing left out.
Music took this exceptional production to the next level. The live cabaret singers singing in both French and English, mixed with modern music and classic cabaret set the vibrant vibe for many of the scenes. It allowed the audience to engage with the performance.
The set design was simplistic but conveyed the grand setting of a cabaret with a few cafe tables along the side and strings of bulb lights draped from the ceiling to a center chandelier.
Beautiful sweeping choreography and matching music made this production a wonderful night out.
raspberry and tea 