This fall, the Mamaroneck High School PACE program presented an exciting new production of the Jane Austen classic, Pride and Prejudice. Directed by PACE theater director Mr. Moore, this contemporary adaptation was a fresh take on the timeless romantic comedy about the clever Elizabeth Bennet and the arrogant but magnetic Mr. Darcy. “Pride and Prejudice,” the classic novel by Jane Austen, explores themes of love, class, and social expectations in 19th-century England. The story follows the independent and witty Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates societal pressures, misunderstandings, and her complicated relationship, ultimately leading to a heartwarming story of personal growth and love.
In bringing this show to the stage, Mr. Moore aimed to choose material that would allow the student actors to grow and connect deeply with their roles. According to him, “I start with [the students], and I look for work that will allow them to explore and grow through the process in a meaningful way.”
Pride and Prejudice fit the bill, offering complex characters that student actors could make their own. He also felt that the themes of the novel, including women’s roles in society and the nature of romance, remain deeply relevant today.
The production was based on a recent stage adaptation by Kate Hamill, known for her bold, highly theatrical interpretations of literary classics. While staying faithful to the core of Austen’s story, Hamill sprinkles the play with humor and energy. Mr. Moore calls it “a much more rumpus and ridiculous take on this story. All of Austen’s elements are there, but the playwright has found ways to punctuate these in a very engaging way.”
While remaining set in the Regency era, this Pride and Prejudice felt fresh and surprising. Mr. Moore incorporated bold choices like modern music and dancing, highlighting the story’s contemporary resonance.
In terms of the rehearsal aspect of the play, without a supportive cast and teachers, nothing would be possible. Kate Bynum (‘24), one of the actresses who played Elizabeth Bennet, stated, “When there is a large group of people working together to achieve a common goal, friendships form very quickly. Because we’re working on such a tight deadline, the rehearsal process is intensive, so we’re spending a lot of time all together in the theater. The PACE community is tight-knit, and we all want to see each other thrive.”
Mr. Moore shared that a major goal was to emphasize the play’s feminist themes and its unforgettable female characters. “The role of women in society, and the characters who uphold the status quo or try to shatter it, is in every aspect of this text,” he stated. “Our production aims to highlight this throughout the play.” Visually arresting moments focused on female empowerment and sections of text highlighting women’s limited activity in the Regency period will drive home these powerful messages.
Above all, Mr. Moore wanted the production to speak to audience members in personal ways, creating insightful conversations about society then and now. As he put it, “I want us to create work that can resonate for people in different ways…Our play should cause each person to take away something from the production that is unique to them.”
Pride and Prejudice tackles universal questions about finding one’s place in society and the quest for self-fulfillment that still ring true centuries after Austen wrote her masterpiece. As Mr. Moore noted, “The issues Austen was wrestling with in her time are still being wrestled with today.” Through its balance of levity and wisdom, this story continues to delight and challenge audiences.
MHS’s production breathed life into this literary masterpiece. The MHS production of Pride and Prejudice was a modern reimagining of a timeless classic, showcasing the enduring relevance of Austen’s themes in today’s world.
In Mr. Moore’s words, “I hope that our production can communicate the fact that the issues Austen was wrestling with in her time are still being wrestled with today.”
