'Pride and Prejudice'
<p>Elizabeth Bennet, played by Rachel Averett, is shocked when Mr Darcy, played by Ben Crotinger, confesses his feelings to her in Charter Academy's play "Pride and Prejudice"adapted from the Jane Austen novel. The play opens February, 20 at Coeur d’Alene High School.</p>
<p>Mr Darcy, left, played by Ben Crotinger, and Mr Bingley, played by Jag Ashtiani, converse during a ball scene in the Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy’s production of “Pride and Prejudice” which opens February, 20 at Coeur d’Alene High School.</p>
<p>Jane Bennet, played by Marie Zaragoza, reads a letter from Mr Bingley aloud surrounded by her mother, Mrs Bennet, left, played by Sarah Marchese-Harrison, and her sister Elizabeth, played by Rachel Averett, during an early scene in Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy’s play “Pride and Prejudice."</p>
Jane Austen's classic novel about manners, morality and marriage in the rural society of 19th-century England will come to life on stage at Coeur d'Alene High School starting tonight.
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy is presenting the stage adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice." The Austen novel, first published in 1813, is considered the author's most popular work.
The show will run tonight through Sunday on stage in the Coeur d'Alene High School auditorium, 5530 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. each night with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and are available only at the door beginning one hour before each performance.
Tracey Vaughan, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy Theatre Arts and Communication instructor and play director, noted that for generations, Austen's fans have appreciated her creative talents.
"While directing this show, I discovered and was amazed by the far reach of the impact this story has made that carries on into our own age," Vaughan told The Press. "On countless websites, I ran across T-shirts, key chains, mugs, and the like displaying messages ranging from the hopeful 'Looking for Mr. Darcy' to the cheery 'I found my Mr. Darcy' or the downright cynical 'I am Elizabeth living in a Darcy-less world.'"
Vaughan said it reminded her that what speaks to audiences is what lies at the heart of "Pride and Prejudice" - a story of finding a partner with absolute strength and integrity, of allowing one's self to fall in love with the right person despite social imbalances, of finding love based not on outward appearances but on wholeness of character instead.
"It is a message of a strong woman who rejects the demands made upon her by society and instead chooses to follow her own heart with the utmost of integrity, and it is a message about a man who learns that the value of morality and goodness in a partner are far more important than social standing," Vaughan said. "In the ever-shifting moral landscape of our own world, this message is truly one to take to heart."
Jake Crotinger, assistant director, says "Pride and Prejudice" challenges audiences to consider social implications while at the same time engaging their romantic sides.
He described the play as "one of those fantastically rare works that walks the fine line between cerebral and emotional."
Rachel Averett, the actress playing Elizabeth Bennett, said that being part of this production has been a wonderful experience, and that it has allowed her to fulfill a childhood dream.
"I am not too proud to say that I have become quite the accomplished young woman because of this experience," Averett said.
Josh Lynch, another assistant director, said that the play explores relationships between people, "specifically in terms of how our 'Pride and Prejudice' influences us and distorts our love."
• If you go
What: "Pride and Prejudice," a play based on the novel by Jane Austen. Produced by the Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy.
When: Feb. 20, 21 at 7 p.m., Feb. 22 at 2 & 7 p.m.
Where: Coeur d'Alene High School Auditorium, 5530 N. Fourth St.
Tickets: $8/adults, $5/students. They are available at the door beginning one hour prior to each performance.