I went to the Orlando Shakes scenic shop to watch the set build for Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Jeff Ferree with his unicorn, hotdog, and patriotic popsicles shirt,was busy populating several book shelves. The shelves needed books and he realized there was plenty of left over styrofoam in the shop, so he decided to create the book using the foam rather than getting a whole lot of heavy books. Once the book forms were cut they then needed to be sanded and the ridge of the binding needed to be added. In the background, Hannah Kleinpeter, was sanding consistently as I sketched. I actually started my sketch with her since she was so focused on the task at hand. All the cutting and sanding had to be interrupted for a while when the theater next door filled up with students excited to see a show.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley will light up your holiday season. It is
a touching romantic comedy with a gorgeous set with lots of custom books. Jane Austen’s quick wit and lively humor are
preserved in this Pride and Prejudice sequel. All your favorites, Lizzy,
Mr. Darcy, Jane, Lydia, and especially Mary Bennet have gathered for Christmas.
Awkward and bookish, Mary had been written off as a spinster, but when a
curious visitor comes for the holiday, Mary blossoms, finding a kindred spirit
who challenges her intellect and just may capture her heart. Can Mary become
the heroine of her own destiny? Could this mean independence for the dutiful
middle sister? The delightful love story unfolds like a Christmas card for
Austen devotees and newbies alike.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley runs through December 29, 2019.
Orlando Shakes in the Margeson
Theater
John and Rita Lowndes
Shakespeare Center
812 East Rollins Street,
Orlando, FL 32803
Ticket Information:
Wednesdays – Saturdays
at 7:30 p.m. and every Sunday and select Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. – starting at
$30. Preview Performances and
Senior Matinees – starting at $20.
CAST
Mary Bennet: Kristin
Shirilla
Arthur de Bourgh:
Cameron Francis
Elizabeth Darcy : Lauren
Culver
Fitzwilliam Darcy: Brett
D. Waldon
Jane Bingley: Samantha
Potak
Charles Bingley: Preston
Ellis
Lydia Wickham: Brandy
Bell
Anne de Bourgh: Jillian
Gizzi
CREATIVE TEAM
Director: Anne Hering
Scenic Designer: Chris McKinney
Lighting Designer: Larry Rodriguez
Costume Designer: Howard Vincent Kurtz
Sound Designer: Britt Sandusky
Lighting Design Assistants: Sierra Goins,
Kelsey Monteith, Joe Gugliuzza, and Levi Roberts
AEA Stage Manager: Paige Gober