Sense and Sensibility at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center – David Stringer, Publisher

All photos courtesy of Blushing Cactus Photography

The Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, as their final production of the year, has chosen a stage adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, based on one of the most enduring classics of 18^th century English literature. Literary fashions come and go, but since its first publication in 1811, Jane Austen’s satirical novel of romance, class and society has never been out of print or lost its public appeal.  As recently as 1995, the story was turned into a critically acclaimed movie directed by Ang Lee.  It received seven Academy Award nominations, and won for Best Adapted Screenplay.

The stage version of Sense and Sensibility, written by Kate Hammil, which is now in production at the Performing Arts Center, was first produced in 2005. Its large cast and colorful period costumes have made it a community theater favorite. Director Scottie Scott, who was recently named the new Artistic Director of Yavapai College Performing Arts, decided to produce the stage version of Sense and Sensibility in recognition of the 250^th Anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth in 1775.  It also marks the first traditional spoken drama to be presented at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center.

In comments to this reviewer after the show, Ms. Scott expressed an interest in presenting more contemporary fare and attracting a younger audience to local theater. In her production of Sense and Sensibility she has given us a period piece with notable contemporary touches in music, lighting and character interpretation.

The convoluted plot centers on the Dashwood family, a mother and three daughters recently thrown into genteel poverty through the untimely death of their father. The story is set in Regency England, a time when young women of the Dashwood’s station did not work outside the home. To maintain their social standing, the only path open to the daughters—two of  whom are of marriageable  age—is through an advantageous marriage. The older daughter, Elinor, is kind, practical and reserved. The middle daughter, Marianne, is fun loving, outgoing and romantically impulsive. Jane Austen’s story is satire and social commentary on multiple levels—class structure in 18^th century England, the role of women, manners and social expectations, and the importance of property.  But the overriding theme is the tension between the rational and the emotional in human affairs—hence the title,  Sense and Sensibility.

The opening night performance was well received. Ms. Scott and her ensemble have mounted a clever, good looking, crowd pleasing show. The period costumes and set design were all original and beautifully done. A confident, well rehearsed cast took obvious pleasure in working  together. After the show, in comments to this reviewer, Mayor-Elect Cathey Rusing  pronounced the play “a wonderful success.”

A few individual performances deserve special note. The character of Mrs. Jennings, a large speaking part, played by Marnie Uhl, brought humor and an experienced stage presence to the second act.  Ms. Uhl is well known to local theater goers for her roles in musicals including Fiddler On The Roof,  Hello Dolly, and Singin’ In The Rain. It was fun to see Ms. Uhl in the role of Mrs. Jennings and in full command of her considerable talents.

Mateo Pena brought depth to his brooding portrayal of the complex and deeply flawed character John Willoughby. A senior at Trinity Christian School,  Mr. Pena has already distinguished himself in local theater productions including the Lion King and Willy Wonka.

Also noteworthy is Shahzeb Mazumdar in his acting debut at the Performing Arts Center. Mr. Mazumdar played the character of Edward Ferrars, with a charming earnestness that won both the audience and to everyone’s relief, the hand of Elinor Dashwood.  A final mention goes to Daniel Markey in his role as the ineffectual and henpecked husband, John Dashwood. Mr. Markey, who is trained in classical ballet, brought a nice touch of athleticism and farce to his antics on stage.

Sense and Sensibility runs through November 23^rd at the Yavapai College Center for the Arts. Tickets may be purchased at YCPAC.com or thru the box office at 928.776.2000.