Sense & Sensibility
Based on our glowing assessment and urging, our visiting friends attended this production. Below you will find a follow-up review by Scott Johnson after which is our original review.
Guest Review
Brilliant! For the Jane Austen fans, this is a must. For the rest of us, this is a refreshing update of the classic. From the moment we sat down at the Gym at Judson, we knew this was going to be fun. The open set with the audience in the round, left us feeling part of the play.
The stage before all the glorious "bedlam" gets under way.
This 21st century redux of Sense & Sensibility could not have been better. The cast was incredible, the set moving, literally. The small audience ranged from teen to grandparent and was included in every moment of this glorious production. The intimate venue proves that theater is powerful at any level. We're ready for the next production.
Guest Review by Scott Johnson
Southern California raised and living in Sonoma County, California, I am an independent design consultant for wineries and Milestone Events Group in Sonoma County. My partner and I travel extensively and enjoy art, the ballet, the theater and the culture of the cities in which we travel.
StageWrite Review:
From beginning to end, Bedlam’s current production of Sense & Sensibility is nothing short of pure delight. This 21st-century presentation of Jane Austen’s 1811 novel remains true to its roots in that the modern day CGI effects that we have become so used to in both cinema and stage are accomplished in a way that combines the elements of 19th-century theater with modern but purely analog technique. The split screen, the swirling camera angles, the stage coach rides, the moving forests are all presented in ways that are both ingenious and ceaselessly entertaining.
The effects, however, do not for one moment detract from this classic story. Rather than relying on a tech person in a booth, it is the actors themselves who provide both the story and the setting. This is a reinvention of minimalist theater and, in my opinion, raises the bar in the downtown theater scene. Under the direction of Eric Tucker, every scene unfolds with creative genius and the resultant experience is unique, enveloping and enchanting.
Sense & Sensibility, Bedlam-style
The story of a recently widowed matriarch and her three now impoverished daughters has been well told in the beloved book and Ang Lee's beautiful 1995 movie. This theatrical interpretation, however, brings an entirely new dimension to this classic tale.
Kate Hamill who is responsible for the stage adaptation, as well as exuberantly playing the role of Marianne, has done an extraordinary job of bringing what could be a musty story to present day relevance. Elinor, the oldest sister played by Kelley Curran, is beautiful, restrained and urgent. The language (which borders on poetry - let’s give due credit to Jane Austen), combined with her presentation, makes her every utterance show-stopping.
Kate Hamill adapted the text and plays Marianne Dashwood
Kelley Curran is Elinor Dashwood
Numerous actors play multiple roles. A change in an article of clothing or stage position may be all that is needed for an actor to be completely reinvented as another character. This effect is brilliantly showcased by Samantha Steinmetz who plays the mother, Mrs. Dashwood, as well as two other roles. At times she will carry on both sides of a conversation flawlessly and convincingly.
Samantha Steinmetz is Mrs. Dashwood
The role of Mrs. Jennings played by Nicole Lewis, provides a foundation of boundless energy to the story. Her every move brings fun to the stage. Fanny Dashwood, the “evil sister-in-law”, is played by the expressive Laura Baranik. Her portrayal is so entertaining in this and several other roles that the audience is ultimately willing to befriend her. And we mustn't leave out the wonderful Jason O'Connell as Edward Ferrars/Robert Ferrars.
Nicole Lewis is Mrs. Jennings
Laura Baranik is Fanny Dashwood
An article in The New York Times sparked my initial interest. The buzz combined with the fact that the run has been extended several times (almost always a sign of a quality show - November 20 is your last chance) inspired my ticket purchase. I am now a Bedlam convert and will sign on for the season. We already have the tickets for a repeat performance with Melissa's daughter Jane (a true Janeite in every sense). I leave you with an enthusiastic two thumbs up.
This brief video from the Bedlam website will give you a glimpse into their wildly creative production.
We went with our good friend Debra (she's a talented abstract artist - click here to check out her website), and Joel's daughter Hannah.
Why we went: Recommendation from our theater insider friend (we will call her "Agent 86"), BELDAM, The New York Times feature article, and profound curiosity.
JMG
Side notes: We had a fabulously delicious pre-theater meal at Jack's Wife Freda (50 Carmine Street in the West Village - just a short walk to the theater). We ordered spiced beet dip, roasted eggplant, Greek salad, matzo ball soup, vegetable curry bowl and mussels - all truly marvelous. Put this restaurant at the top of your list! We can't wait to return.
