Presents
Jane Austen's
Pride & Prejudice
Adapted by: Melissa Leilani Larson
Directed by: Lavina Jadhwani
January 1st - 2nd, 2021
Production Team
Director Lavina Jadhwani
Playwright Melissa Leilani Larson
Producer Sarah-Lucy Hill
Executive Producer Brandon Waters
Producer & Casting Director J. Michael Wright
Composer Jenn Chandler
Dialect Designer Christopher Sherwood Davis
Costume Designer Kendra Faith
Dramaturge Stephanie Fongheiser
Stage Manager Hannah Iverson
Technical Manager Isabelle Link
Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice was commissed by Brigham Young University
in 2013 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the novel's publication.
Pride & Prejudice
Full of distinct characters, sparkling wit, and timeless romance, Jane
Austen’s classic PRIDE AND PREJUDICE returns to the screen in this
crisp, new adaptation. Almost from their first meeting, Elizabeth
Bennet finds herself at odds with the reticent Mr. Darcy. She finds him
cold and arrogant while he disapproves of her family and social
standing. Despite his pride and her prejudice—or is it her pride, and
his prejudice?—Elizabeth and Darcy can’t seem to avoid each other’s
company. Brought together by a series of events beyond their control,
both must reconsider their first impressions.
Lavina Jadhwani (Director) is a Chicago-based director, adaptor,
and activist. As a second-generation immigrant, Lavina constantly
investigates the question, “What does it mean to be an
American?” and through her work, she strives to expand the
definition of that word to include more minority voices.
Favorite directing credits include As You Like It (Guthrie Theater),
Roe (Asolo Repertory Theatre), Gloria (Mixed Blood Theatre), Great
Expectations (Silk Road Rising/Remy Bumppo Theatre Company),
Proud graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University
(M.F.A., Directing), Carnegie Mellon University (B.F.A., Scenic
Design; Masters, Arts Management) and the Illinois Mathematics
and Science Academy. [Link]
Originally from Hau‘ula, Hawai‘i, Melissa Leilani Larson is a
Filipino American writer presently based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Her award-winning work has been seen on four continents. Most
recently, MOUNTAIN LAW received a staged reading at the first
annual Women’s Voices Play Fest at Mad Cow Theatre in Orlando,
FL. Mel’s latest production was a stage adaptation of Kelly
Barnhill's Newbery Medal-winning THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE
MOON, commissioned by Utah Valley University. Mel is a proud
member of the Dramatists Guild, serving Utah for several years as
Ambassador and now as Regional Rep. She is a member of Plan-B
Theatre’s Lab for new plays, the Playwrights Center of
Minneapolis, and Honor Roll, an advocacy group for female-
identifying playwrights over 40. BA in English, BYU; MFA, Iowa
Playwrights Workshop. [Link]
Cast Biographies
Capri Campeau (Mary Bennet) is an actress and singer based
out of Orange County California. For the past two years she
trained and performed at PCPA. Her performances include
Ophelia in Hamlet, & Viola De Lesseps (u/s)/ensemble in
Shakespeare In Love. Most recently she performed with Titan
Theatre Co. as Linda in Rendevous With Death & portrayed Laila
in short film Fathers And Daughters. She is so grateful to be
creating in such unprecedented times on this piece.
Stephanie Fongheiser (Jane Bennet) is thrilled to help bring one
of her favorite stories to life. Her first Austen adaptation was a
cameo appearance as c. In quarantine, she spends her days much
as Jane might—reading, knitting, and playing the piano.
Sarah-Lucy Hill (Elizabeth Bennet) is delighted to be playing
one of her favorite fictional characters, bar none. An actress,
director, and teaching artist, she is a native of Northern California
and a current MFA Performance student at University of Nevada,
Las Vegas. However, she considers Chicago her artistic home.
Recent credits include Lottie in The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
(Eclipse), Poppy in Noises Off (3 Brothers) as well as roles with
Collaboraction, Oil Lamp, and Citadel. She is a graduate of PCPA
Theatrefest's Conservatory. She earned her undergrad at Brigham
Young University.
VINCE KRACHT (Mr. Bennet) received a JEFF nomination and
won Broadway World-Chicago’s Best Actor Award for his portrayal
of Chauncey Miles in THE NANCE. Vince has worked in Chicago
with The Goodman Theatre, TimeLine, Drury Lane, and Court
theatres. He was Wilbur opposite Jim J. Bullock’s Edna in
HAIRSPRAY—featured on the 66th Annual Tony Awards. Vince is
represented exclusively by Gray Talent
Cast Biographies
Dan Lin (Fitzwilliam Darcy) an actor, singer and producer, Dan Lin
is a proud native of Gaithersburg, Maryland, “one of the most
ethnically diverse cities in the U.S.” He was most recently seen in
Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s 2020 season as Prentiss in PETER
AND THE STARCATCHER. Chicago: WOLF PLAY (Gift); UNITED
FLIGHT 232 (House); SUPPORT GROUP FOR MEN, KING OF THE
YEES,(Goodman); CHIMERICA (Timeline); Film/TV: FLORA,
SKYSCRAPER, UTOPIA, THE BRAVE, CHICAGO MED, CHICAGO PD
Kymberly Mellen (Mrs. Bennett) is an Assistant Professor of
Acting at UNLV. Regional performances include shows at Utah
Shakespeare Festival, TimeLine Theatre, American Blues Theatre,
Writers Theatre, Court Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Chicago
Shakespeare Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Marriott Lincolnshire
Theatre, Ravinia, Peninsula Players, and Pioneer Theatre Company.
Film work includes the current Book of Mormon Video series, Just
Let Go, The Cokeville Miracle and The Unborn. Kym is also a
director, producer, writer, and coach. http://
[Link]/
Stephanie Neuerburg (Lydia Bennet) is an actor, playwright, and
poet whose work has been featured at the John F. Kennedy Center
for the Performing Arts; the Oregon Shakespeare Festival; and the
Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She is so excited to be playing another
favorite literary sister after most recently portraying Anne Brontë in
Vision Productions' THE ART OF SISTERS. Stephanie's original play
SCIENCE NIGHT was a 2015 national finalist for the John Cauble
Outstanding Short Play Award. [Link]
Jeanann Power (Lady Catherine de Bourgh) co-founded Edge of
the Wood Theatre in Chicago, where she has taught and directed
for 20-plus years. Edge Resident Theatre appearances include The
Secret Garden, Into the Woods, Our Town, The Seagull, Drood, and
The Belle of Amherst, which transferred to open the 2019 South
Haven Theatre Series. Regional credits include the Asolo Theatre,
Annie Russell Summer Theatre, and the Festival Playhouse; and
numerous commercials and industrial films. Jeanann holds an MFA
from the Asolo Conservatory.
Cast Biographies
Mary Isabella Reagan (Charlotte Lucas) is an actor and
performer currently based in the Portland area. Since the
quarantine she has been producing virtual content with the
company she helped found, 3rd Year Productions, starting with
the release of a short film, Things Will Be Coming Your Way
Soon, Just You Wait, in which she stars. Mary is also working on
producing a series of animated horror stories titled The Devil’s
Hour Radio Broadcast. Past theatre credits include Shakespeare’s
Other Women 2019 (Island Shakespeare Festival), In Sarah’s
Shadow: the Eleanora Duse Story (Pop Magic Productions), &
Macbeth (PCPA).
Sophia Ramos (Kitty Bennett) is elated to take part in Pride and
Prejudice and to work with the cast and crew. This is her first
major theatre production. She has recently appeared in the Iglesia
Ni Cristo’s, INCinema short film “Virtually Yours” as the lead role.
She is currently studying as a Theatre Major at UNLV and has
performed in UNLV Live for UNLV second stage. Sophia would like
to thank her parents and Alyssa Ratajczyk for always being there
to support her dreams.
Pricilla Torres (Caroline Bingley) is very excited to be joining the
Pride and Prejudice team. She recently graduated from the BFA
Acting program at UW-Stevens Point. Some of her favorite credits
include The Children’s Hour, La Cage Aux Folles, Blood Wedding,
and Macbeth. She was last seen as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet with
The Shakespeare Project of Chicago. She’s most thankful to her
family and friends for always believing in her and God for His
blessings.
Cast Biographies
Toby Tropper (William Collins) is very happy that theatre will
always find a way. He is a California based actor who has worked
with such regional companies as Rubicon Theatre Company, San
Louis Obispo Rep, Lyric Rep, Sierra Rep, PCPA, The Great American
Melodrama and Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival. In March of this
year he was about to start rehearsals for the West Coast and
European Premiere of American Son with Ensemble Theatre
Company of Santa Barbara but alas... the production is scheduled
to hopefully resume next spring. With a lot of free time at home
he has been participating in many online readings and
rediscovering a love for digital animation. He is a proud graduate
of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (Class of 2013).
[Link]
Levin Valayil (Bingely/Fitzwilliam) is delighted to be
performing with this incredible cast and directed under Lavina
Jadwani. During this quarantine time Levin has workshopped a
new musical by Craig Carnelia and Joe Tracz called “Poster Boy”
with the Public Theater and has also workshopped a new play by
Aditya Rawal called “Siachen” with the Baruch Performing Arts
Center; both online. He also recently filmed the short film “Click
Next to Continue,” which recently was awarded two awards at
the indie short festival in LA. Find out more info about Levin at
[Link]
J. Michael Wright (George Wickham) is an Actor/Singer,
Director and Producer in Chicago. A Jack of all genres from farce
to opera, JMW was critically praised for his “self-indulgent” Keith
Richards at the Black Ensemble Theatre. Previous credits include:
A Christmas Carol (Metropolis), Hildy Johnson in The Front Page
(Oil Lamp Theatre), The Last Five Years (Big Noise Theatre),
Noises Off, Julius Caesar, Wizard of Oz, Guys and Dolls, Robin
Hood, He is represented by BMG Talent.
Production Team
Brandon Waters (Executive Producer) is extremely passionate
about dance and the performing arts. He firmly believes that art
has the capacity to change lives and communities. He studied
Financial Economics at Brigham Young University Idaho with a
minor in dance. Brandon’s passion for dance inspired him to
move from Idaho to attend graduate school in Chicago. He holds
a Master of Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Degree
from Columbia College Chicago. He has over five years
experience working in the Chicago arts community serving both
the theater and dance community.
Jenn Chandler (Composer) is an actor, musician, and
composer. She originated the role of the female Bank Manager
in the 2nd National Tour of Once and has acted at numerous
regional theatres, including the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the
Paramount Theatre, the Ensemble Theatre Company, Mason
Street Warehouse, and Bucks County Playhouse. She has
composed soundtracks for a variety of theatrical productions,
and you can currently find her on all music streaming platforms.
She will be releasing an EP of her original music by the end of
the year. Jenn graduated from LAMDA and BYU; she holds a
masters degree in Classical Acting and undergraduate degrees
in Cello Performance and Theatre Education.
[Link].
Christopher Sherwood Davis (Dialect Designer) lives in
Massachusetts. Boston-area dialect credits include The
Importance of Being Earnest, The Strange Undoing of Prudencia
Hart, Brilliant Adventures, Threesome, and Midsummer
(Apollinaire Theatre Company); NSFW and It Felt Empty When
the Heart Went at First But it is Alright Now (Theatre on Fire);
Daemonologie: Blood and Bone (Intramersive); Playhouse
Creatures (Maiden Phoenix); Good Television and Neighborhood
Watch (Zeitgeist Stage Company); The Weaver of Raveloe (World
Premier - Oberon); and My Fair Lady (Tyngsborough HS).
Christopher specializes in original pronunciation practices for
16th to 19th century English. He is also an actor and history
enthusiast. Website: [Link] , Instagram
@colonialelocutionist .
Production Team
Kendra Faith (Costume Designer) is currently pursuing her
M.F.A. in Costume Design at UNLV and just finished her first
semester. She graduated in May with her B.A. in Theatre:Design
from the University of Omaha: Nebraska. She has worked in
multiple theatres around Omaha, Nebraska, including The
BlueBarn Theatre and The Nebraska Shakespeare Festival and in
summer 2019, she traveled to Utah to work as a design assistant
intern for the Utah Opera Festival. Before Covid-19 hit in 2019,
Kendra designed the costumes for the world premiere show at the
BlueBarn Theatre, Red Summer, written by Beaufield Berry and
Tuck Everlasting, The Musical at Bellevue Little Theatre. She is very
excited to continue her education and hopes to work all over the
world, creating beautiful designs and sharing stories.
Hannah Iverson (Stage Manager) is an undergraduate student
at the University of Nevada Las Vegas where she studies
technical theater. Before attending UNLV, she worked on shows
like The Miracle Worker, Guys and Dolls, and The Music Man as a
stage manager. She also has a background in set building.
Outside of theater, Hannah is a cellist and film editor. This is
Hannah’s first show with Pride and Prejudice Productions and
she is very excited to work with such a talented cast and crew.
Isabelle Link (Technical Manger) is a film major and theatre
minor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She has written
several award winning scripts and produced award winning
short films within the UNLV film community. Isabelle is also
pursuing acting and hopes to keep expanding her knowledge of
the arts.
Special Thanks to
Karissa Murrell Myers and Erik
Stein for casting asssistance
&
Generous donors like you that
made this production possible
Thank you!
Empower Artists to tell beautiful stories
by making a financial contribution at
[Link]
