Jane Austen's Classic Sense and Sensibility to Play at Cambridge High School Theatre This Week

“I cannot bear to think of leaving dear Norland Park, the gardens in bloom. And I think it quite unfair we must” …And thus begins the story of sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, who find themselves captivated by two very different men. Sensible Elinor is charmed by the quiet, bumbling goodness of Edward, while passionate Marianne is swept off of her feet by the dashing and mysterious Willoughby. But when the men’s secrets come to light, the sisters are forced to rely upon themselves and one another to weather their heartache -- and learn that when sense and sensibility meet, love cannot be far behind.

Cambridge High School Theatre students shine on stage as they bring to life Jane Austen’s timeless story of love and betrayal. With full period costumes, colorful sets, classic British accents, and an irresistible story, the show is sure to charm audiences of all ages.

It is a bitter-sweet show for seniors Tess Luman and Maddy Andrews who play the two sisters, as it is the last time they will perform on the Cambridge High School stage. Luman, who plays the practical and levelheaded Elinor, reflects: “This has been a fun role for me. I love that Elinor is such a strong character. And when she does fall in love, she loves quietly and completely.” Ironically, Luman played the part of another stalwart sister – Sophocles’ Antigone – in the school's first full-length production nearly four years ago. “Luckily this time the ending is better for me. I won’t give it away, but I can tell you that I won’t be stoned to death for treason!”

Andrews, who plays the more free-spirited and romantic sister, Marianne, finds her character relatable. “I feel like I’ve been through what she’s going through in my own relationships,” confides Andrews, “and it’s gratifying to see her transform from someone who is just into the passion of love, into someone who sees the importance of true love.”

The students have seen the Cambridge Theatre program transform in the four years since the school opened. “Theatre has been my safe place through my years in high school” says Andrews. “It showed me real friends – people who accept each other no matter what. That allowed me to think outside the box and get to know my true self.” Luman agrees, reflecting that “I started in advanced drama as a freshman when Cambridge first opened. We’ve gotten to build the program from the ground up. It has been an exciting ride – lots of challenges, but also countless memories. Best of all, we grew into a family – and that closeness brings a unique quality to the show.”

Sense and Sensibility is directed by Mrs. Tracey Buot and also stars Megan Brown (senior), who plays Elinor and Marianne’s mother, Mrs. Henry Dashwood; Ethan David (senior), who plays the steadfast Edward Ferrars; Orien Roy (sophomore), who plays the charming John Willoughby; and Dean Badr (junior) who plays the ever-faithful Colonel Brandon. The cast and crew also include: Callie Addington, Taylor Bunker, Julianna Bush, Andrew Cardell, Tori Coleman, Lexi Cowling, Carsyn Durrett, Jenna Elkadi, Joey Gondhalekar, Troyce Grant, Max Haase, Carter Harrell, Kate Hohn, Simone Jackson, Priscilla Joseph, Brendan Kane, Jasi Lampkin, Mia Mason, Ashley Mathews, Jon Matthews, Kerrigan McCabe, Sean McGinty, Nathan O’Leary, Lucy Pease, Jason Scerno, Meghan Taylor, Maggie Theilens, and Addison Webster.

Show Information

Sense and Sensibility runs April 28-30 at 7:00 pm (seating begins at 6:30)

Tickets are $10 available at www.seatyourself.biz or at the door

Cambridge High School Theatre

2845 Bethany Bend, Milton GA 30004

This show is appropriate for all ages

Photos (by lumanphotos.com)

1) “Sense and Sensibility” sisters Elinor (Tess Luman) and Marianne (Maddy Andrews) Dashwood

2) Marianne (Maddy Andrews) and Elinor (Tess Luman) Dashwood

3) Marianne Dashwood (Maddy Andrews), Mrs. Henry Dashwood (Megan Brown), and Elinor Dashwood (Tess Luman)

4) Colonel Brandon (Dean Badr), Marianne Dashwood (Maddy Andrews), and John Willoughby (Orien Roy)

5) Elinor Dashwood (Tess Luman) and Edward Ferrars (Ethan David)