There’s something exhilarating about watching a familiar story come to life, and the Branson theater department’s production of “Pride and Prejudice” did just that. Written by Jane Austen in 1813 and first adapted for the stage in 1935, Branson’s production maintained the book’s unblemished humor with complex, contrasting characters, romantic tension and an overarching social commentary on the roles of upper-class men and women in early 18th-century Britain.

The story centers on the marriages of two sisters from Hertfordshire, just outside London. Sadie Briggs ’26, who plays one sister named Elizabeth Bennet, is sharp and outspoken. To her mother’s (played by CC Brenner ’26) horror, she outright refuses the laughable marriage offer that William Collins (played by Nate Anderson ’27) makes her. Briggs’ portrayal of the quick-witted and blunt character was strong and confident, which her character’s forthright choices accentuated. 

Meanwhile, her older sister, Jane Bennet, played by Adeline Newby 26’, was gentle and warm. Newby’s elegant and calm presence made the character particularly interesting. The juxtaposition of the two sisters made for moments that felt very refreshing; if you’d had enough of Elizabeth’s razor-edged remarks, Jane’s soft-spoken optimism balanced it out. 

The supporting cast was just as enthusiastic, fully bringing Jane Austen’s world to life. For example, Max Billington ’26 played Mr. Darcy — the wealthy-yet-aloof love interest of Elizabeth. Despite often playing energetic and exaggerated characters, Billington leaned into Darcy’s restrained nature. His stiff physicality and aristocratic accent felt impressively different from the animated personas we have come to associate with him. One highlight from his performance was during his first proposal to Elizabeth, where he claimed that “in confessing my feelings to you, I am going against my friends, my family, and my better judgement.” 

Additionally, Christopher Poore ’27 played Mr. Bingley, Darcy’s charming counterpoint. He was bright and earnest, and his chemistry with Newby developed throughout the production. Other notable performances included Charley Goldstein’s ’26 portrayal of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, a condescending noblewoman who adamantly opposes her nephew Mr. Darcy’s relationship with Elizabeth due to class differences. Goldstein expertly impersonated her character’s intimidating and direct mannerisms, and she was shocked when Elizabeth resisted her demands.

On the comedic side, Brenner’s performance as Mrs. Bennet provided constant laughter to the audience. Her frantic gestures, raised and at times piercing accent, and exaggerated comments captured the erratic temperament of an obsessive and melodramatic woman solely focused on marrying off her daughters. Her husband, played by Mait Wais ’26, embodied a man frustrated within his own marriage. His calm and classy demeanor was perfectly antithetical to his wife, creating contrast that complemented that of their two eldest daughters. Nate Anderson ’27 played the role of Mr. Collins. With a booming formal accent, a ridiculous hairstyle and overpronunciations of every word he said, Anderson made every line feel like a joke without ever breaking the world of the play.

The cast’s commitment to thoughtful accents went a long way in distinguishing personality traits and immersing audience members into the Regency era. Whether it was the elitist scorn of characters like Caroline Bingley, played by Yasmin Charkin ’26, or the smug tone of Dash Brown’s ’27 George Wickham, every actor contributed to the layered world Austen imagined.

All together, Branson’s “Pride and Prejudice” delivered a production that both felt faithful to Austen and distinctly its own. The cast’s humor, energy, and meticulous character work made the story feel fresh. As I watched the cast and crew bow, it became clear that this play would be memorable for years to come.