To Campbell House, therefore, they were to go: P&P #19

Elizabeth - Darcy: An Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice by Hallie Burt & Kate Werneburg, Toronto Fringe Festival, June 4-14

Imagine my delight when, perusing the Fringe program, I came across the following title: Elizabeth – Darcy: An Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. To wit:

This is a love story. This is a comedy. This is two women playing all the parts. This is the Jane Austen you love with a squeeze of lemon. This is you moving through historic Campbell House with the story. This is you getting caught up, swept away, laughing out loud.

Sign me right up.



Now, Fringe plays can be a bit hit or miss, but this one delivers. Hallie Burt & Kate Werneburg completely inhabit each character with a mere addition to their costume: a feather fascinator for Caroline Bingley, a fan for Mrs. Bennet, a lace dickey for Mr. Collins. And using a flower for Jane seems to be a popular idea:

The actors use all of Campbell House quite well, going from room to room; I was afraid it would feel awkward to stand right next to an actor when they were performing, but after a while I got so caught up in the story it didn't matter. I have never been inside before, although I've always been curious, so it was a good opportunity to get a peek at it.

My one quibble is that they dropped Bingley's income down to ₤4000 for no good reason. It bugged me more than it should have. There was a lot of necessary cutting due to the time restrictions, but I didn't feel that anything major was lost, and the meat of the story came across really well. How well it works for someone not familiar with the story is another thing; maybe it will inspire them to read it.

Best parts: Burt's transformation into Lydia ("Whee!") and Werneburg as Mr. Collins; his proposal scene in particular is really funny. Also cute: Mr. Collins being a bit scandalized when the audience, instead of making up two lines across from each other to create the feeling of the Netherfield Ball, starting making a square around the room. "Must be one of those new London dances!"

The show is playing for six more performances. Go see it! Go early, because they are selling out, and wear comfortable shoes.

As for me, I have five more tickets to use. Fringe on!