West Chester University: Dept. Of Theatre Brings Pride & Prejudice To Life Onstage

Press release from West Chester University:

October 14, 2021

When the strong-willed Elizabeth meets the attractive but enigmatic Mr. Darcy is it
possible for them to look beyond his pride and her prejudice to make the best match
of all? All the wit and romance of this classic 1813 novel comes to life in this refreshingly
fast-paced and engaging stage adaptation. Jane, Elizabeth, and Lydia Bennet are likely-looking
girls in a period when a woman's one possible career is matrimony. Finding a husband
may not be Elizabeth Bennet's most pressing concern, but with four sisters and an
overzealous match-making mother, it's difficult to escape the subject.

Director Len Kelly says, “We wanted to return to the stage and bring live theatre
back to our campus in a grand and celebratory manner. This beautiful show, with a
cast of 24, music, dancing, and gorgeous costumes, does just that.”

Set in 1811, the costumes and dance numbers are reflective of the period. Dances are
set to the musical etudes of composer Johann Baptist Cramer, the only real composer
whose name is mentioned in Jane Austen’s novels.

Safety protocols developed by the student cast and production team were enacted to
minimize the spread of COVID-19. They developed a plan that included weekly testing,
masking other than when they are onstage performing for audiences, and all members
of the ensemble agreed to minimize their exposure during the rehearsal process.

Playing the role of Mr. Darcy is Matt Melchior, a senior math major from Allentown,
PA. Elizabeth Bennet is portrayed by Delany Lindholm, a junior from Harrisburg, PA.
Other cast members include:

Josh Acuna (Mr. Bennet), Raven Burckhalter (Jane Bennet), Sidney Cain-Frazier (Lady
Lucas), Luther Case (Mr. Wickham), Sophia Cox (Georgiana Darcy), Emily Dina (Mrs.
Bennet), Mia McDermott (Miss Anne De Bourgh), Madelyn DeFelice (Lady Catherine DeBourgh),
Sarah Ford (Charlotte Lucas), Noah Glose (Sir William Lucas), Grace Halsey (Mary Bennet),
Joshua Hawkes (Mr. Bingley), Chloé Hyde (Kitty Bennet), Lauren Kuerschner (Mrs. Reynolds),
AneLisa Lochstoer (Caroline Bingley), Richard Ludig (Colonel Fitzwilliam), Chris Mancaruso
(Mr. Collins), Hope McGinnis (Mrs. Gardiner), Clare McKernan (Lydia Bennet), Tyler
Polito (Ensign Denny), Ryan Snoptek (Mr. Gardiner), Matthew Tindall (Captain Carter).

This press release was produced by West Chester University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.