Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley has brought the holidays, and a Christmas Tree, to the Metro Theatre stage. Running until November 29, this 2016 play by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon continues the story of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, particularly following the lesser-mentioned middle and only unmarried Bennet sister, Mary (played by Adrian Shaffer).
Taking place in the library and lounge at Pemberley, where Mr. Darcy (Dovreshin MacRae) and Mary’s elder sister Elizabeth (Sarah Alma Angelle) are hosting a family Christmas complete with Elizabeth introducing an oft-mentioned new German custom, the Christmas Tree. The eldest of the Bennet sisters, a heavily pregnant Jane (Julia Halbert) and Mr. Bingley (Adrian Pryce) arrive at Pemberley with Mary in tow. Ever the forthright spinster, the bookish Mary finds the well-stocked library more to her liking that the social frivolities of her sisters, especially once the youngest, and more attention-seeking Lydia Wickham (Zoe Salvin) arrives without her husband. Through small talk it’s discovered that Mr Darcy has invited his distant cousin, Arthur de Bourgh (Jack Thomas), to Christmas. The heir to their late Aunt Catherine’s large nearby estate Rosings Park, Arthur has also lost his parents and is a dedicated Oxford student, not accustomed to the life of a country estate. As the family gather for the holidays, a Austin-esque comedy of love and manners ensues, helped along by awkward flirtations between the equally cerebral Thomas and Mary, Lydia’s desperate coquetry and unexpected arrival of an yet unknown fiancé (Jordyn Bennett). Darcy and Bingley smartly know to get a resolution of the will-they/won’t-they love match, the cunning interference of their wives is required.
Like the relatives they are portraying, all of the cast, directed by Catherine Morrison, share a nice familial chemistry. Angelle, Halbert, Shaffer and Salvin find a balance in the sibling rivalries, tensions, affection and camaraderie. Shaffer and Thomas perfectly play off each other, bringing an innocent charm to their awkwardly nerdy interactions. MacRae and Pryce rightly reflect husbands who know they’re best to leave affairs of the heart and house to their wives, especially when they’re from this determined Bennet brood. Not arriving until later in the play, Bennett’s Anne de Bourgh certainly makes her mark as whirling dervish of chaos. Gunderson and Melcon write in a few cheeky winks to history most of us know from the source novel, many related by Macrae’s Mr. Darcy with a sly smile acknowledging the hints.
While the family is the heart of the home, the centerpiece to Pemberley is Elizabeth’s magnificent Christmas Tree. Set and Lighting Designer Les Erskine has created a beautifully festive, warm country house, while Costumer Rene Schindel’s resplendent Georgian finery brings an air of grace to the Pemberley party. As snow falls on Christmas at Pemberley, Miss Bennet finally has the chance to put ‘Miss’ behind her as Mrs. de Bourgh awaits her future – a happy Christmas comes to one and all.
As Metro Theatre’s stage is beautifully bedecked with all the trimmings of the season, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley begins the holidays warming hearths and hearts with this festive romantic comedy about love and life.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley runs until November 29, 2025, at Metro Theatre, 1370 Marine Drive SW. Find tickets at metrotheatre.com
Evening performances Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm / Matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.
Special performances: Audience Talk Back with cast and Director on November 14 and 23.
Sing-Along Night November 21 with a live pianist playing a variety of tunes, from Broadway standards, to pop ballads and more.