Review: Pride & Prejudice Musical

The World Premiere of Pride & Prejudice Musical

Book, music, and lyrics by Paul Gordon

Based on the novel by Jane Austen

Directed by Robert Kelley

Musical Director William Liberatore

For the New Year 2020, Inna and I decided to attend the Pride & Prejudice musical performance. Although we are both familiar with the famous book by Jane Austen, we were not sure whether we would like the music.

Fortunately, we enjoyed the music, especially the essential cast members' performances. Marty Mattison as Elizabeth Bennet was one of the highlights, as she played her part well (though I cannot say I am a big fan of her singing). Heather Orth, as Mrs. Bennet, also played her part well.

The Cast

Elizabeth Bennet: Mary Mattison
Charlotte Lucas/Georgiana Darcy: Dani Marcus
Mary Bennet: Melissa WolfKlain
Mrs. Bennet: Heather Orth
Mr. Bennet: Christopher Vettel
Jane Bennet: Sharon Rietkerk
Lydia Bennet: Tara Kostmayer
Kitty Bennet: Chanel Tilghman
Mr. Bingley: Travis Leland
Mr. Darcy: Justin Mortelliti
Miss Caroline Bingley/Ann De Bourgh: Monique Hafen Adams
Mr. Collins/Mr. Gardiner: Brian Herndon
Mr. Wickham: Taylor Crousore

The Band

Violin: Christina Mok
Cello: Lucas Chen
Horn: Diane Ryan
Bass: Sascha Jacobsen
Guitar: Schuyler McFadden
Percussion: Artie Storch

Musical Numbers

Act 1

1. "Happiness in Marriage" sung by Charlotte Lucas, Mrs. Bennet, Jane Bennet, Mr. Bennet
2. "Headstrong" sung by Elizabeth Bennet
3. "A Single Man of Good Fortune," sung by Full Company
4. "More than Hello" sung by Jane Bennet, Mr. Bingley
5. "The World We Live In," sung by Mr. Darcy
6. "Walk Through Mud," sung by Elizabeth Bennet
7. "Bravado" sung by Mr. Darcy
8. "Lovely Creatures" sung by Mr. Collins, Jane Bennet, Elizabeth Bennet, Mary Bennet, Kitty Bennet
9. "My Ministry" sung by Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth Bennet
10. "Duet" sung by Mr Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet
11. "Last Woman on Earth" sung by Elizabeth Bennet
12. "A Woman of My Acquaintance" sung by Jane Bennet, Elizabeth Bennet
13. "Her Ladyship's Praise" sung by Lady Catherine, Elizabeth Bennet, Servants, Guests
14. "What Kind of Man" sung by Elizabeth Bennet
15. "Against My Will" sung by Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, Full Company

Act 2

1. "Walk through Mud (reprise)" sung by Elizabeth Bennet
2. "Headstrong (reprise)" sung by Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet
3. "A Man of My Acquaintance (reprise)" sung by Jane Bennet
4. "My Sister Jane," sung by Elizabeth Bennet
5. "Pemberley" sung by Full Company
6. "Not the man that I know" sung by Elizabeth Bennet,
7. "Disgrace" sung by Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Mary Bennet, Mrs. Bennet
8. "What kind of man? (Reprise)" sung by Elizabeth Bennet
9. "A Single Man of Good Fortune (reprise)" sung by Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Bennet
10. "The Declaration" sung by Mr. Bingley, Jane Bennet
11. "Her Ladyship's Praise" sung by Elizabeth Bennet
12. "Sweet Persuasion" sung by Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet
13. "Happiness in Marriage (Finale)" sung by Full Company

Pride & Prejudice Report Card

Overall:

It is a fun, well-written musical with well-written lyrics and music. I enjoyed it much more than I expected.

Positives

• Well-written songs with music that follows lyrics well
• Excellent performances by Mary Mattison and Heather Orth

Negatives

• Nothing of consequence