Jane Austen’s Novel Comes to Life

Mansfield Park–by Northlight Theatre

Jane Austen’s Novel Comes to Life

In Jane Austen’s third novel, following her more popular Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice, a young girl from an impoverished family is sent to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram. Fanny Price, who’s sweet, shy, sensitive and virtuous, must adapt to being the “poor relation” amidst the snotty aristocrats who live and visit the mansion. Fanny comes to realize that she’s inexperienced with this particular sector of society, with whom she must now interact, and in the social situations she soon finds herself. Much to everyone’s surprise, the girl proves to be a quick study and an eager learner, and she gradually grows to feel a part of the family. 

Both the novel, as well as actress/playwright Kate Hamill’s world premiere drama, begin as Fanny arrives at Mansfield Park, her affluent relatives’ Northamptonshire estate. The story follows her throughout the next several years, as she grows into a cultured young woman. Underneath all the fine manners, glitz and finery, Fanny comes to discover that people aren’t always what they first appear. She finds herself drawn to Edmund, her kinder, older cousin, while being treated with indifference or scorn by his siblings, Tom and Mariah. Lady Bertram treats Fanny as a servant and Sir Thomas is often stern and unyielding. Eventually he realizes that the way he’s behaved with his children may be responsible for his daughter’s ruin and his son’s immoral behavior. He comes to be far prouder of his adopted niece than his own children.

Lady Bertram’s widowed sister, Mrs. Norris, also resides at Mansfield Park. While her sister languishes about as a lady of leisure, Mrs. Norris enjoys running the Bertram household with an iron hand. She clearly prefers and shows favor to the nieces and nephews of her wealthier sister, as opposed to poor Fanny, whose mother is also Mrs. Norris’ sibling. In addition to these characters, the Bertrams are visited by the equally affluent, handsome and charming Henry Crawford and his pretty and fun-loving sister, Mary. Their extended stay at Mansfield Park gives rise to flirtations and eventual matrimony. But, despite Henry’s persistent attention to Fanny, the young woman finds herself more attracted to her cousin, Edmund.

This latest play by Kate Hamill follows her previous successes. They include dramatic adaptations of two other Jane Austen novels, as well as William Makepeace Thackery’s classic, Vanity Fair. Ms. Hamill, also an award-winning actress, has originated the leading roles in all of her works, this time around settling into three diverse characters. With a sudden shift in posture and the addition of a costume piece, Kate Hamill completely transforms, often onstage before our eyes, from Lady Bertram to Mary Crawford, as well as a minor character, Lady Chapman. This is what makes her new play so exciting and fascinating. With the exception of the two main characters, the other six actors must quickly shift between portraying two or more different roles.

As Fanny Price, Kayla Carter is an open slate. She’s genuine and candid, as she journeys from an understandably shy, frightened little waif into a confident, intelligent young woman. Her transition is so gradual and complete that theatergoers will be impressed with this talented actress’ dramatic ability. Handsome Gabriel Ruiz is strong, yet appropriately genteel and empathetic, as Edmund Bertram, Fanny’s cousin and love interest. From his first scene, when he offers to tutor Fanny, the audience knows precisely where this relationship is headed.

Mark Montgomery, a standout in Northlight Theatre’s “Outside Mullingar,” makes a strict, stalwart and severely opinionated Sir Thomas Bertram. He also plays Fanny’s boozy, degenerate father, Mr. Price, and his quick physical change is quite extraordinary. One of Chicago’s most talented and versatile actresses, Heidi Kettenring plays the arrogant prig, Mrs. Norris, with a cold, crispness that reveals her disdain with her needy niece, Fanny. Ironically, Ms. Kettenring is also excellent playing Fanny’s destitute, overwhelmed mother, Mrs. Price. Nate Burger, who may be remembered for his portrayal of Lt. Kelly, in Northlight’s “Butler,” is superb as both Henry Crawford and Fanny’s younger brother, John Price. And Anu Bhatt, who was hilarious in Theater Wit’s “The Antelope Party,” is delightful, both as giddy, snobby Mariah Bertram and as sweet, sincere little Susan Price, Fanny’s little sister.

Stuart Carden directs this new play with the main focus on his actors and their diverse characters. The scenic design by Yu Shibagaki is minimalist, comprised primarily of a door and a few pieces of movable furniture. It’s Christine A. Binder’s skillful lighting design that primarily defines each locale. Izumi Inaba’s typically terrific, period-perfect costumes add a new dimension to each character, especially providing wardrobe pieces that can be easily added or removed. Original music and sound design are the responsibility of Andrew Hansen, and his string quartet versions of such pop music hits as Aha’s “Take On Me,” and Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball,” add whimsy to the pre show soundtrack.

Kate Hamill’s newest play is another adaptation of one of Jane Austen’s novels. Because the Empire English author dared to raise an eyebrow over families who made their fortunes in the slave trade, this story has been called controversial. Fanny Price, especially in Ms. Hamill’s play, is as contemporary a heroine as any of Austen’s characters. She’ll be remembered, long after the final curtain, for her modern outlook, her gumption to speak her mind and her determination to win the heart of a mate who’s her intellectual and emotional equal.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

                

Presented November 8-December 16 by Northlight Theatre, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling847-673-6300 or by going to www.northlight.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.