'Pride and Prejudice, A New Musical' marries Regency setting with modern music

COEUR d’ALENE — It is a truth universally acknowledged that a good Jane Austen adaptation must be in want of an audience.

There are more adaptations of Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” than one can shake a stick at, including the BBC miniseries, the Bollywood film, “Bride and Prejudice,” or even “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.”

Every Austen fan has their favorite and, whether it’s the 2005 film with Keira Knightly or the vlog-style “Lizzie Bennet Diaries” web series, aficionados are fierce about adaptations capturing the spirit of the book.

No matter how their passion for the story presents itself, Austen enthusiasts have nothing to worry about this musical iteration by the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre's “Pride and Prejudice, A New Musical.” The show opens today and features the score of Tony Award nominee Paul Gordon, who spearheaded the Broadway musicals “Jane Eyre” and “Daddy Long Legs.”

Executive artistic director Chuck Ethridge said the music evokes classical and Broadway influence, with strong pop sensibility.

“The music adds an emotional element that text alone does not. It gives the opportunity to paint the moods and emphasize the emotion of the drama. In this case, we hear more about what some characters are thinking and feeling than a straight play or film would be able to express,” Ethridge said.

We do receive some helpful insights into the motives behind the enigmatic Mr. Darcy through theatrical asides and song, which add new dimension to the old story.

Having directed the Cd'A Summer Theatre’s production of “Mamma Mia!” last year, director and choreographer Antoinette DiPietropolo said what excited her most about this particular adaptation was that it took a modern score and coupled it neatly within the Regency backdrop.

“Pride and Prejudice, a New Musical” fits in moments that evoke the period of the piece without being jarring, and likewise, the score is modern enough to have a familiar ease without taking you out of the setting.

“I want people to come in with a fresh eye. I think it will surprise people. You’re still seeing glimpses of the period,” DiPietropolo said.

Scenes taking place in the privacy of the Bennet home are more informal, in sharp contrast to the scenes in public during dances or interacting with the upper classes. Among the challenges of the show, DiPietropolo was most excited to tackle the portrayal of the posture and attitude that make the Regency dances so distinct.

The popularity of the Netflix show “Bridgerton” has helped keep Regency dancing in more of the mainstream public’s mindset. Regency dancing requires keeping the upper body straight with sharp elbows as the dancers progress through their steps.

“The research was really fun and I love that people recognize the dances from Bridgerton. I love the history of dance and bringing it to life,” DiPietropolo said.

The 19-member cast features New York actor Melody Munitz as Elizabeth Bennet, as well as local performers Jonah Taylor (Mr. Darcy), Amy D'Orazi, (Jane Bennet) and David Eldridge (Mr. Collins). “I am super proud of the cast. The music director and artistic director took a lot of time to find this cast. We just wanted to find the best person for the part, whether they’re from here or New York,” DiPietropolo said.

The balance between the music and the Regency atmosphere, much like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, marry well.

“Go and have a good time with the story,” DiPietropolo said.

If you go

What: Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre production of “Pride and Prejudice, A New Musical.”

When: Aug. 11-20

Where: Schuler Performing Arts Center at North Idaho College, Boswell Hall 880 W Garden Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

There is also a performance with American Sign Language interpretation at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13.

Tickets are available at https://cstidaho.com or by calling 208-254-0504.