Sense and Sensibility at Village Theatre
The latest Village play opens with a body dropping and a funeral, and thus starts a dynamic and fun rendition of a Jane Austen classic. Sense and Sensibility stands out from other period dramas because of its lively, modern and witty nature. From extravagant costumes to exciting musical sequences, this production doesn’t let itself get dull. Written originally in 1811 by Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility is about the Dashwood sisters, who become financially destitute after their father’s passing. Through this, they grow and learn about love and its unfortunate companions in late 18th century England: social pressures, gender roles, and a system that allows men to take advantage of women without consequence.
Overall, it’s a vibrant and pleasantly thoughtful production with organic dialogue, good character development, good scene choices, a colorful stage and spirited characters who come together to deliver a seamless performance. Director Jes Spencer also does a good job of balancing historical accuracy with a modern perspective. The social environment is exasperating in its injustice towards women, but we also get the satisfaction of voices that condemn such policies and behavior. The costumes have a hint of regency fashion but there are pantsuits and glittering hats instead of round gowns and top hats. There’re scenes of characters reciting poetry and then of people gossiping and taking selfies in between dance numbers.
Humor is brought in through eccentric or childish characters, snarky dialogue, a futuristic carriage experience and certain performances of the actors as dogs and a single horse. It makes for a fresh that is still thoughtful and delicate in solemn moments and showcases sorrow without shying away from it. Every scene, be it comedic or tragic, is striking and important to building the story and the characters we’re getting attached to. Everything that has to be there is and everything that doesn’t need to be there isn’t.
Cast members Alegra Batara and Lindsay Welliver lead the play as Marianne and Elinor Dashwood and create an entertaining dynamic between their characters. Marianne is willful and wears her feelings on her sleeve while eldest Elinor maintains her composure and hides her true emotions from everyone. Their development throughout the play is well-earned and well-paced. Their youngest and childish sister is played by Sophia Franzella who excels not only as Margaret Dashwood but also as obnoxious and superficial Lucy Steele, who tries to repeatedly humiliate the sisters.
The rest of the cast is just as good, with certain performances standing out. The three pet dogs of Mrs. Jennings aren’t really important to the plot but provide such an addition they’re worth mentioning. Michael Wu, Josh Kenji, and Jonelle Jordan are loud, agile and jumpy, everything a realistic dog needs. They also share the character of Lady Middleton, who they play marvelously each time. Jonelle Jordan plays the horse and delivers a perfectly unlikable character with Fanny Dashwood. Nick DeSantis, Sunam Ellis and Richard Nguyen Sloniker play Sir John Middleton, Mrs. Dashwood and Colonel Brandon respectively. Finally, Michael Woo (U/S) plays Edward Ferrars (usually interpreted by Calder Shilling) and delivers one of the best performances of the night. He’s emotionally conflicted most of the time but expressive and eloquent. Woo’s skills are fully showcased considering the number of characters he plays and the fact that he nails each one.
A production worth watching, even for those who aren’t usually fans of period pieces. You’ll enjoy the humor and liveliness and hardly notice that it’s been two hours.
Sense and Sensibility | Village Theatre | February 1 – March 12, Issaquah | March 17 – April 9, Everett.