Firmly established in Maryland's capital city at its Studio 111 home, the Annapolis Shakespeare Company continues its fifth season with the production of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility," adapted by Jon Jory.
In returning to another Austen classic, Annapolis Shakespeare also connects with a proven box-office formula; two seasons ago, the company achieved acclaim with a production's Jory adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" at Bowie Playhouse.
This new production pays homage to Austen's ability to create vital characters, such as sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, who draw us into their independent, intelligent, goal-centered lives 200 years after their birth in Austen's novel.
Of course, helping Austen connect with a 21st-century audience is the task for Jory, whose lively, dynamic adaptation does the trick.
Artistic director and producer Sally Boyett directs and choreographs this production in the troupe's stark set, where bare simplicity comes alive in the dynamic action. The minimalist set lends purity and elegance; scenes are changed by choreographed placement of chairs in deft movements that become entertaining elements.
An outdoor scene may be established by the simple addition of suitably authentic hats; indoors by artful costume design or by adding a small chest or table. Nuances of climate — fair, cloudy or stormy — are created by Colin Dieck's lighting design, and also by dialogue, as couples chat amiably as they stroll outdoors.
Under Boyett's direction, the action moves swiftly with help from Jory's knack for adding contemporary energy to Austen's late-18th-century characters. The era is suggested by the authentic costume design of Kat McKerrow, whose creativity helps define each character — stylish, plain or rumpled, privileged or lowly.
The elegant costumes particularly enhance Boyett's choreographed dance scene, perfectly executed by the cast.
Boyett has gathered an excellent cast, the majority of it consisting of Annapolis Shakespeare's evolving resident group. The players weave a tapestry of simmering emotions beneath an exterior of restrained English deportment.
Togethe, they tell the story of these sisters after the death of their father, dealing with newly reduced living arrangements. In a new locale, Elinor and Marianne are captivated by very different men — sensible Elinor by quiet, bumbling Edward Ferrars, and passionate Marianne by the mysterious John Willoughby. When Willoughby's scandalous past and Edward's secret fiancee come to light, the sisters rely upon one another's strength to learn that when sense and sensibility meet, love is not far behind.
Having impressed as Lady Macbeth in the troupe's season opener, Rebecca Swislow defines the role of sensible, strong Elinor, who is never dull, despite her calm exterior. She is fiercely protective of her impetuous sister and of her kind, fragile mother, played by Sue Struve. Swislow projects Elinor's longing for Edward, and is emotionally touching when her trust in him is shaken.
Laura Rocklyn's portrayal of spoiled, self-centered Marianne is equally compelling in conveying the heedless, headlong rush to seize her romanticized fate with Willoughby — and her later bitter disappointment. Rocklyn persuades us to sympathize, and later rejoice in her growth and new-found maturity.
In his Annapolis Shakespeare debut, Patrick Truhler inhabits the role of Edward Ferrars, conveying an aura of reliable strength and faithful devotion to Elinor in response to her respectful admiration.
Marianne's love, Willoughby, is dashingly portrayed by James Carpenter, who was in the "Macbeth" production and here delivers a spot-on portrayal of the enigmatic character.
Another outstanding performance is delivered by Annapolis Shakespeare resident member Renata Plecha as avaricious Fanny Dashwood, the wife of the late Henry Dashwood's brother, John. Plecha's Fanny forces the sisters and their mother to leave their former home so she can claim all of Norland Manor for her husband and family. Plecha summons cruelly dismissive barbs with relish.
Amy Pastoor returns to Annapolis Shakespeare to play three roles — mysterious loves Lucy Steele and Miss Grey, and a servant. She also serves as understudy for Elinor and Marianne. Playing two roles are Brian Keith Macdonald as John Dashwood and the Gardener, Richard Pilcher as Sir John Middleton and the Doctor, and Annette Mooney Wasno as Lady Middleton and Mrs. Ferrars.
Weekend performances continue through May 3 at 111 Chinquapin Road, Suite 114 in Annapolis. For showtimes and ticket information, call the box office at 410-415-3513 or go to annapolisshakespeare.org.
High 'Flyin' West'
Here's a true coming attraction: On April 10, Bowie Community Theatre will open its production of Pearl Cleage's "Flyin' West," running weekends through April 25 at Bowie Playhouse in White Marsh Park.
This thought-provoking historical drama is about four African-American women pioneers and two men who overcome adversity and hardships with dignity and strength as they settle in Nicodemus, Kan., in 1898.
For showtimes and ticket information, call Bowie's hotline at 301-805-0219 or go to bctheatre.com.