WT Theatre to Open Modernized ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Feb. 6

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - West Texas A&M University Theatre will continue its season with an adaptation of a beloved Regency romance that's more "Bridgerton" than Merchant Ivory.

"Pride and Prejudice" will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6, 7 and 12 to 14, plus 2:30 p.m. Feb. 8 and 15, in the Happy State Bank Studio Theatre in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex on WT's Canyon campus.

Playwright Kate Hamill refreshes the Jane Austen novel with a fast-paced, humorous spin.

"I've been in love with this script for 10 years," said director Callie Hisek, the Royal R. Brantley Professor of Theatre Studies and theatre program director. "I love 'Pride and Prejudice' and how Kate Hamill flips it. You see more struggling - that love is not perfect, love is not simple. I think Jane Austen would love this adaptation."

Though this version is modernized, while still being set in the Regency period, "there's the same core in every adaptation," said Kenzie Cohan, a junior theatre major from Ropesville, who plays Elizabeth Bennet.

"What's fun with this adaptation is that Lizzie can show more annoyance at what's going on with the world at that time," Cohan said. "Lizzie has a complex understanding of everything that's going on, so instead of just giggling, she can roll her eyes."

Meanwhile, her counterpart, Kyle Roberson, has found a more complex understanding of his role as Mr. Darcy throughout the rehearsal process.

"I thought this guy was a jerk," said Roberson, a senior theatre major from Amarillo. "But he's just honest. He fixes his mistakes, too. He took rejection by Lizzie to the chin, then he fixed everything without thinking there would be a reward."

Cast members also include Ace Bolin, a junior musical theatre major from Longview, as Jane and Miss Anne de Bourgh; MarLowe Martinez, a sophomore musical theatre major from El Paso, as Lydia and Lady Catherine de Bourgh; Seed John, a sophomore theatre major from Midland, as Mr. Collins, Wickham and Miss Bingley; Trey Becerra, a junior theatre major from Tulia, as Mary and Bingley; Christian Cone, a senior theatre major from Longview, as Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Bennet; and Branda Barnett, a junior theatre major from Wink, as Mrs. Bennett and servants.

Ensemble members include Jayten Berumen, a sophomore theatre major from Plainview; Hope Joyce, a sophomore musical theatre major from Odessa; E.J. Mendez, a freshman theatre major from Ropesville; and Avery Norman, a freshman theatre education major from St. Louis.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and free for WT students, faculty and staff with a Buff Gold Card. Group rates are available.

To purchase, visit cur8.com/projects/17516, call 806-651-2810 or email [email protected].

Fostering an appreciation of the arts is a key mission of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign, which is now winding down, has raised more than $175 million.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men's and women's athletics programs.

Photo: Kenzie Cohan and Kyle Roberson star as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in West Texas A&M University Theatre's "Pride and Prejudice," opening Feb. 6.

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