Milwaukee Post
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/100931
December 28, 2012 ��� Milwaukee Post ��� 17 ���Sense and Sensibility��� resonates with audiences Milwaukee Rep blends novel into new adaptation about sisters��� relationship By JULIE MCHALE Post Theater Critic MILWAUKEE ��� Jane Austen lived a short and relatively secluded life, but between 1811 and 1816,she published four successful novels. Two more novels were published posthumously. ���Sense and Sensibility,��� now playing at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, is her first. The adaptation by Mark Healy is the version being presented. Virtually all of Austen���s six novels have been adapted to film, TV or to the stage. Despite the very different world Jane Austen lived in, her works still resonate with modern audiences. Classic dramas with the mores and mannerisms of a bygone age are ever fascinating. How did they dress, what societal customs governed their behaviors, what were the gender rules and restrictions, and what modes of transportation and communication were available to them? ���Sense and Sensibility��� answers some of those questions in regard to the milieu of the early 1800s. Men and women have always gotten together for various motivations. Love, security, companionship, riches, sexual attraction, desire for a family, financial sharing ��� any or all of these factors encourage pairing up. What interests us is how these mating conventions are played out at various points in history. Then we can make some cogent comparisons. Death, love, connivances, betrayals, friendship ��� all figure into this story, but the overriding theme is the fierce loyalty and attachment between two sisters ��� Elinor and Marianne ��� who represent the At a glance ���Sense and Sensibility��� runs through Jan. 14 in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, 108 E. Wells St., Milwaukee. Call 414-224-9490 or visit www.milwaukeerep.com for show times and tickets. contrast in the title of the play. Sense, rationality and composure versus emotion, spontaneity and romanticism were two prevailing ways of viewing the world and the arts in Austen���s time. As to which attitude or stance prevails in the story is debatable. I think they merge in a balanced approach toward life and love. In my opinion, Austen���s ability to create memorable characters is the chief reason for her continued appeal. We will not soon forget Elinor or Marianne, or even the fascinating rogue Willoughby, the clumsy but honorable Edward or the stodgy though noble Colonel Brandon. Even Sir John Middleton and Mrs. Jennings made a lasting imprint with their histrionics. The smooth changing of the scenes made possible by the beautiful, functional set design by Scott Bradley, the lovely costumes by Angela Balogh Calin, the realistic sound effects of Steven Cahill and the varying lighting auras by Thomas C. Hase all enhance the attraction and beauty of the show. Standouts in the acting department include Kate Hurster as Elinor, Victoria Mack as Marianne, Ben Jacoby as Willoughby and Laura Gordon as Mrs. Jennings. Many of the actors played multiple roles, which may help the budget, but it Photos by Michael Brosilow Victoria Mack as Marianne Dashwood and Kate Hurster as Elinor Dashwood perform a scene in ���Sense and Sensbility.��� The production is adapted from Jane Austen���s novel ���Sense��� and adapted for The Rep���s presentation by well-known stage and television actor Mark Healy. presents a credibility factor, especially in regard to Laura Gordon, whose voice is so distinctive and can���t be easily changed to accommodate different roles in the same production. Meaghan Sullivan was the most convincing as she changed from Fanny to Lady Middleton to Lucy; so she gets the transformation prize. Jonathan Gillard Daly gets honorable mention for executing his four characters. Overall, though ���Sense and Sensibility��� is not quite as enjoyable as ���Pride and Prejudice,��� which was produced several years ago, it is always a pleasure to encounter another of Austen���s treasures. Director Art Manke deserves the credit for putting together such a seemingly simple but really quite complex story that held our interest throughout the show. We cared about what happened to Elinor and Marianne, and that���s what mattered. First Stage to present ���To The Promised Land��� World premiere play written by Milwaukee native Post Staff MILWAUKEE ���The First Stage Children���s Theater will perform ���To The Promised Land,��� an original play by Milwaukee actor and playwright Jonathan Gillard Daly, from Jan. 25 through Feb. 10. The shows will be held at the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee. Set in late 1960s Milwaukee, the play weaves together the story of Ruth, a young black girl reeling from the loss of her brother during recent civil rights actions, and that of Golda Meir, Israel���s first female prime minister, who had spent her formative years in Milwaukee. As Ruth draws on Golda Meir���s autobiography for inspiration, a story between Milwaukee���s black and Jewish communities is shared as we follow both characters on their path to her own promised land. ���The play is about the journey of a young person searching for truth while struggling with the tests that come with life in an urban setting,��� director Sheri Williams Pannell said. ������To The Promised Land������ serves as a catalyst to encourage dialogue about Milwaukee history and witness how one moment in time can impact the life of an impressionable young person.��� ���To The Promised Land��� marks the second play in First Stage���s Wisconsin Cycle, a new play development effort celebrating the history and people of Wisconsin through a series of plays, associated workshops, special events and educational initiatives. The adult actor cast includes Jonathan Gillard Daly as Mr. Baker-dad-ensemble; Di���Monte Henning as Cliff-ensemble; Marvette Knight as Woman-Florenceensemble and Raeleen McMillion as Bluma-Principal-Ensemble. The young performer roles are double cast. The promise cast includes Lonnae Hickman (Ruth) from Milwaukee, Katherine Pollnow (Goldie) and Christine Pollnow (Sheyna) from Kewaskum, Nora Laughlin (Tzipka) from Wauwatosa and Madison Penzkover (Regina) from Mukwonago. The hope cast includes Esther O���Brien (Ruth) from Brookfield, Hannah Engel (Goldie) from Mequon, Lexie Peterson (Sheyna) from Milwaukee, Emily Foran (Tzipka) from Germantown and Kate Futoransky (Regina) from Hartland. Young performer Isaiah Reynolds from Brookfield will serve as Cliff and understudy for this production. Tickets for ���To The Promised Land��� starts at $14. They can be purchased in person at the Marcus Center box office, by phone at 414-273-7206 or online at www.firststage.org. Additionally, Daly will discuss the inspiration for the world premiere play and the process of bringing it to life at First Stage from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Hotel Metro. This event is for everyone ages 9 and up. Admission is free, but space is limited; RSVP is required by Jan. 7 with a name and the number guests to Ann at 414-2672964 or groups@firststage.org. There will also be an opening night reception Jan. 25 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St.