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Take a turn about the room

Cover of Pride and Prejudice
A review of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Christina Calvit

A full-cast stage adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice produced by L.A. Theatre Works is available from OverDrive and it is such a treat!  The running time is just under two hours with plenty of time to capture all of my favorite scenes thanks to the expert adaptation by Christina Calvit.  One of my favorite parts of the book (from Chapter 11) is when Elizabeth Bennett visits Netherfield to nurse her sister Jane Bennett who has taken ill while visiting the neighboring estate.  Lizzie finds herself in the drawing room with Charles and Caroline Bingley and the handsome and proud Mr. Darcy.  Miss Bingley invites Lizzie to "take a turn about the room" and this always makes me laugh.  The scene is exquisitely acted to capture this ludicrous moment. 

The heartaches and heartbreaks, excitement and romance of the five Bennett sisters are captured perfectly.  The production also includes an interview with the cast that is pure delight.  Whether you are a Jane Austen fan or looking for a fun diversion, this play fits the bill.   

Wisconsin's Digital Library boasts an excellent collection of L.A. Theatre Works plays ranging from Noel Coward to Neil Simon.  The plays are recorded before a live audience and you feel that same sense of excitement you might when at the theater.  If you haven't checked out this collection before, I highly recommend it.

May 11, 2020