Austen-tacious Spring Delight at WICA

Sense and Sensibility at WICA

Theater review by Jim Sovanski
Photos courtesy WICA

This month, fans of Jane Austen’s work are in for a Spring treat at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley. WICA has mounted a fast paced and visually stunning rendition of Kate Hamill’s adaptation of “Sense and Sensibility.” Directed by Whidbey Island theater legend Rose Woods, the story follows the newly destitute Dashwood sisters, sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne, their mother and little sister as they navigate early 1800’s Regency England after the sudden death of their father and expulsion from their family home. The goal? Find suitable husbands for the two oldest sisters or face a life of poverty and social deprivation.

To quote a promotion piece for the show, “Sense and Sensibility” is… ”set in gossipy late 18th-century England with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humor, emotional depth and bold theatricality. Sense and Sensibility examines our reactions, both reasonable and ridiculous, to societal pressures. When reputation is everything, how do you follow your heart?”

I have discovered there are two types of people: Janeites and the rest of us. I fully fall into the latter category, and as such I came to the theater with only the most general idea of the story, never having read any of her work or seen any type of show.

With that in mind, it was a bit intimidating to watch the play at first glance. The characters come and go quickly and with actors playing multiple roles, it’s easy to lose track of the narrative if you’re not paying attention.

However, the cast does a wonderful job of quickly setting the scene and immersing the audience in Miss Austen’s world. Settling into this fast-paced dramedy, I realized you don’t have to be a die-hard Austen fan to enjoy this production. There are humorous and relatable moments along the way and it is easy to see why this particular piece has captured the hearts of Janeites everywhere.

Playwright Kate Hamill shared her thoughts on the evolution of this play in the program notes for the 2019 Portland Center Stage production. “I was tired of women losing the chance to lead the stories (and thus losing out on career opportunities). I wanted to create women-centered narratives, told through a female gaze. I wanted to create new female classics.”

“And then I thought, where better to start than with Jane Austen: also a young woman, and one with whom I had felt a long-standing connection? I started writing. The play born of my love and frustration — Sense and Sensibility — has gone on to numerous productions in theaters nationwide, employing dozens of women and men in a female-centered storyline. I think its popularity is a testament to how many people — like me — are hungering for female-centered stories.”

Director Rose Woods shared these thoughts about this show: “In a world that often feels like it is spinning too fast – where reaction outpaces reflection, and noise can drown out truth – Sense and Sensibility reminds us of the delicate, necessary balance between feeling deeply and thinking clearly. Between impulse and intention.”

She continues, “At the heart of this are our brilliant, dynamic actors, who bring this story vividly to life. With agility, humor and generosity, they carry us across shifting worlds and emotional landscapes, transforming before our eyes and inviting us fully into the experience.”

April Jane Herrild who appears as Elinor Dashwood shared her thoughts on the show. “People should come see the show because it’s just such a visual treat! The costumes are stunning, the set is gorgeous, and there’s something so charming about hearing those high-class British accents – it really whisks you away to another time.” She continued, “In our present-day world, when things can feel particularly heavy and difficult, this story offers a much-needed celebration of love and the enduring bond of sisters. It’s light, it’s joyful, and it’s a total escape. It’s the kind of production that just makes you feel good and reminds you that there’s still so much beauty and connection to celebrate.”

Laura Berkley who handles the dual roles of Mrs. Jennings and one of the ‘Gossips,’ reflected on her parts. ”The short, fluid scenes create a dreamlike atmosphere. The constant movement and the actors’ need to embody vastly different roles are challenging—I must frequently recall which character they are currently portraying! This exercise is great for the brain!”

Exercise your brain and embrace the romance of the world of Jane Austen. Make a date to see “Sense and Sensibility” at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) The show continues with Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances April 16th to April 25th. Evening shows are at 7:30 PM and Sunday performances are at 2:00 PM. WICA is located at 565 Camano Avenue, Langley, WA 98260 Ticket sales and further information at info@wicaonline.org or call the box office at (360) 221-8268. Box office hours are Tuesday-Friday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM and one hour before every show.

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