Pride & Prejudice
at Orange Lutheran

Reviewed on January 23, 2016

Sarah Ritter
Fullerton Union
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Orange Lutheran makes way for Jane Austen's ‘Pride and Prejudice'

Sarah Ritter is a senior at Fullerton Union High School in Fullerton.

With her free spirit and propensity to scrutinize on sight, Elizabeth Bennet seems ever unlikely to fall for the arrogant, uptight Mr. Darcy. But are they so different that all hope of compatibility is shattered, or can their mutual disdain for one another blossom into a romance? Jane Austen's timeless tale of courtship is brought to life in a flourish at Orange Lutheran High School.

Leading the cast as the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet is Audrey Bivens, whose confident stride and poise make her a force to be reckoned with. Whether through a loving touch on her sister's shoulder or her biting retorts and vexed facial expressions in the presence of her many suitors, Bivens thoroughly captures Elizabeth's bold nature.

Bradley Devlin completes the contrary pair with a domineering portrayal of the inscrutable Mr. Darcy. With a rigid strut and a stoic face, Devlin flawlessly masks Mr. Darcy's profound adoration of Elizabeth while in the presence of others, only to blush and stumble head-over-heels on his words in the brief moments in which he and Elizabeth are alone.

At the heart of the production's humor is Emily Bradley in an uproarious depiction of the prying, matchmaking Mrs. Bennet. Bradley packs the stage with insuppressible energy throughout, bouncing about the room and sporting a spotless accent of the Queen's English. Whether she is cheerily chirping about the prospect of her daughter's marriage or squawking a scornful warning to her husband to mind his own business, Bradley relentlessly personifies Mrs. Bennet's gossipy personality and her underlying desire to be like the aristocratic women which she so admires.

In an equally bubbly performance as well-meaning Mr. Bingley, Bradyn Martino fills the room with laughter at each entrance. Martino's quick-witted remarks and overdone perky grins help him escape many awkward situations, whether it is calling on his beloved Jane (Kendall Schmidt), or being a rickety third wheel in between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

Orange Lutheran's production of ‘Pride and Prejudice' retells Jane Austen's ageless story of romance, reminding us that to love and to be loved is merely what makes us a part of the human race.

Sarah Ritter
Fullerton Union
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Orange Lutheran makes way for Jane Austen's ‘Pride and Prejudice'

Sarah Ritter is a senior at Fullerton Union High School in Fullerton.

With her free spirit and propensity to scrutinize on sight, Elizabeth Bennet seems ever unlikely to fall for the arrogant, uptight Mr. Darcy. But are they so different that all hope of compatibility is shattered, or can their mutual disdain for one another blossom into a romance? Jane Austen's timeless tale of courtship is brought to life in a flourish at Orange Lutheran High School.

Leading the cast as the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet is Audrey Bivens, whose confident stride and poise make her a force to be reckoned with. Whether through a loving touch on her sister's shoulder or her biting retorts and vexed facial expressions in the presence of her many suitors, Bivens thoroughly captures Elizabeth's bold nature.

Bradley Devlin completes the contrary pair with a domineering portrayal of the inscrutable Mr. Darcy. With a rigid strut and a stoic face, Devlin flawlessly masks Mr. Darcy's profound adoration of Elizabeth while in the presence of others, only to blush and stumble head-over-heels on his words in the brief moments in which he and Elizabeth are alone.

At the heart of the production's humor is Emily Bradley in an uproarious depiction of the prying, matchmaking Mrs. Bennet. Bradley packs the stage with insuppressible energy throughout, bouncing about the room and sporting a spotless accent of the Queen's English. Whether she is cheerily chirping about the prospect of her daughter's marriage or squawking a scornful warning to her husband to mind his own business, Bradley relentlessly personifies Mrs. Bennet's gossipy personality and her underlying desire to be like the aristocratic women which she so admires.

In an equally bubbly performance as well-meaning Mr. Bingley, Bradyn Martino fills the room with laughter at each entrance. Martino's quick-witted remarks and overdone perky grins help him escape many awkward situations, whether it is calling on his beloved Jane (Kendall Schmidt), or being a rickety third wheel in between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

Orange Lutheran's production of ‘Pride and Prejudice' retells Jane Austen's ageless story of romance, reminding us that to love and to be loved is merely what makes us a part of the human race.

Hilary Lee
Northwood
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Orange Lutheran's "Pride and Prejudice" enchants

Hilary Lee is a sophomore at Northwood High School in Irvine

Set in England in the 1800s, Orange Lutheran's "Pride and Prejudice" delivers an honest message of setting aside judgment and arrogance for the sake of love. The play follows the sharp-tongued Elizabeth Bennet and her opposition to Mr. Darcy, a reserved and wealthy man, in the midst of marriage proposals and self-discovery.

Audrey Bivens as Elizabeth Bennet strides the Bennet Manor in clean steps and sharp turns attributing to her strong will. Paired with Bradley Devlin as Mr. Darcy, their progress as a duo shift from Mr. Darcy's cold stares to his flustered attitude, prompting him to flee the room upon sharing a kiss with Elizabeth.

Mrs. Bennet (Emily Bradley) teeters about the Manor with a skip of anxiety in regards to her daughter's marriages as she clasps her hands together, indicating her worry as a mother. Her fluctuating shrills of excitement and snorting laughter attribute her as a gossiper, emphasized when discussing the prospects of a marriage with the Bingleys. As a result, the Bennet Family as an ensemble express a hint of embarrassment for their mother from Mr. Bennet's (Matt Hutnyan) emphasis on his grounded nature as a father through his constant reassurance for her.

Lydia Bennet (Emily Hall) also draws much attention in her energetic nature, obsessing over handsome young men with her sister, Kitty Bennet (Mia Battaglia). Her restless scampering and shrieks of laughter and giggles characterize her as almost childish, especially when teasing Mr. Collins (Nick Ciulla).

In a nasal stutter, Mr. Collins marks himself as an awkward man in the way he holds his sentences too long, often repeating statements as if he doesn't believe them himself. His nervous fidgeting with his hat indicate his constant discomfort and provide a sense of pity when Elizabeth progressively edges away from him as he attempts to rationalize her rejection.

Contrary to Mr. Collins, Brayden Martino portrays Mr. Bingley's excitable manner through his constant smiles and open embarrassment at his love for Jane. The way he awkwardly dodges about the Lucas' ballroom, pining for her, emphasizes his lankiness and genuine intentions.

In a mix of class and wittiness, Orange Lutheran's interpretation of Jane Austen's classic is breathtakingly beautiful.

Hilary Lee
Northwood
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Orange Lutheran's "Pride and Prejudice" enchants

Hilary Lee is a sophomore at Northwood High School in Irvine

Set in England in the 1800s, Orange Lutheran's "Pride and Prejudice" delivers an honest message of setting aside judgment and arrogance for the sake of love. The play follows the sharp-tongued Elizabeth Bennet and her opposition to Mr. Darcy, a reserved and wealthy man, in the midst of marriage proposals and self-discovery.

Audrey Bivens as Elizabeth Bennet strides the Bennet Manor in clean steps and sharp turns attributing to her strong will. Paired with Bradley Devlin as Mr. Darcy, their progress as a duo shift from Mr. Darcy's cold stares to his flustered attitude, prompting him to flee the room upon sharing a kiss with Elizabeth.

Mrs. Bennet (Emily Bradley) teeters about the Manor with a skip of anxiety in regards to her daughter's marriages as she clasps her hands together, indicating her worry as a mother. Her fluctuating shrills of excitement and snorting laughter attribute her as a gossiper, emphasized when discussing the prospects of a marriage with the Bingleys. As a result, the Bennet Family as an ensemble express a hint of embarrassment for their mother from Mr. Bennet's (Matt Hutnyan) emphasis on his grounded nature as a father through his constant reassurance for her.

Lydia Bennet (Emily Hall) also draws much attention in her energetic nature, obsessing over handsome young men with her sister, Kitty Bennet (Mia Battaglia). Her restless scampering and shrieks of laughter and giggles characterize her as almost childish, especially when teasing Mr. Collins (Nick Ciulla).

In a nasal stutter, Mr. Collins marks himself as an awkward man in the way he holds his sentences too long, often repeating statements as if he doesn't believe them himself. His nervous fidgeting with his hat indicate his constant discomfort and provide a sense of pity when Elizabeth progressively edges away from him as he attempts to rationalize her rejection.

Contrary to Mr. Collins, Brayden Martino portrays Mr. Bingley's excitable manner through his constant smiles and open embarrassment at his love for Jane. The way he awkwardly dodges about the Lucas' ballroom, pining for her, emphasizes his lankiness and genuine intentions.

In a mix of class and wittiness, Orange Lutheran's interpretation of Jane Austen's classic is breathtakingly beautiful.

Stephanie Chang
Northwood
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Orange Lutheran delivers a delightful ‘Pride and Prejudice'

Stephanie Chang is a senior at Northwood High School in Irvine.

A lively greeting opens Orange Lutheran High School's production of "Pride and Prejudice" as each of the five Bennet sisters is introduced as kindhearted, witty, silly, but most of all – single. This classic tale follows the Bennet family as their meddlesome mother attempts to secure the handsome and rich Mr. Bingley as a husband for one of her daughters.

Audrey Bivens portrays Elizabeth Bennet with confidence throughout her performance, turning away from those whom Elizabeth dislikes in order to portray Elizabeth's pride. Bivens takes decisive steps forward while raising her voice, readily willing to engage in a battle of wits. Opposite Bivens is Bradley Devlin as the infamous Mr. Darcy whose rigid posture gradually softens as he reveals his budding admiration for Elizabeth. Devlin shifts from shooting looks of disapproval at those of "inferior society," to stammering as he attempts to woo Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Emily Bradley embodies the nosy Mrs. Bennet with a shrill voice that commands the stage with every word. Bradley delivers well-timed comedy with frantic gesticulations as she scolds Elizabeth for refusing Mr. Collins' (Nick Ciulla) proposal of marriage. Even when she is silent, Bradley remains involved in every scene, leaning forward to eavesdrop on conversations or fainting at the mention of Lydia's elopement. Much like her mother, the flirtatious Lydia Bennet, portrayed by Emily Hall, twirls about with her sister, Kitty (Mia Battaglia), at her heels as they spy on their older sisters before scampering offstage. The two squeal in excitement over the militia and giggle mischievously as they meet the suspiciously charming Mr. Wickham (Charlie Battaglia).

As Mr. Bingley, Brayden Martino stands up straight with an air of aristocracy that is balanced by a warm and goofy grin. Martino looks at his feet and holds his hands behind his back while speaking to Miss Jane Bennet (Kendall Schmidt) to portray a flustered gentleman in love and shifts with jittery excitement when laughing at Mr. Darcy's unfriendly demeanor. Contrasting with Martino is Grace Underwood as Miss Bingley. Underwood glides across the stage with regality and an air of pretention. Her stance shifts from slinking around Mr. Darcy flirtatiously to holding her chin up as she confronts Elizabeth with disdainful scowls.

"Pride and Prejudice" is an extremely complicated tale, but Orange Lutheran delivers a charming rendition.

Stephanie Chang
Northwood
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Orange Lutheran delivers a delightful ‘Pride and Prejudice'

Stephanie Chang is a senior at Northwood High School in Irvine.

A lively greeting opens Orange Lutheran High School's production of "Pride and Prejudice" as each of the five Bennet sisters is introduced as kindhearted, witty, silly, but most of all – single. This classic tale follows the Bennet family as their meddlesome mother attempts to secure the handsome and rich Mr. Bingley as a husband for one of her daughters.

Audrey Bivens portrays Elizabeth Bennet with confidence throughout her performance, turning away from those whom Elizabeth dislikes in order to portray Elizabeth's pride. Bivens takes decisive steps forward while raising her voice, readily willing to engage in a battle of wits. Opposite Bivens is Bradley Devlin as the infamous Mr. Darcy whose rigid posture gradually softens as he reveals his budding admiration for Elizabeth. Devlin shifts from shooting looks of disapproval at those of "inferior society," to stammering as he attempts to woo Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Emily Bradley embodies the nosy Mrs. Bennet with a shrill voice that commands the stage with every word. Bradley delivers well-timed comedy with frantic gesticulations as she scolds Elizabeth for refusing Mr. Collins' (Nick Ciulla) proposal of marriage. Even when she is silent, Bradley remains involved in every scene, leaning forward to eavesdrop on conversations or fainting at the mention of Lydia's elopement. Much like her mother, the flirtatious Lydia Bennet, portrayed by Emily Hall, twirls about with her sister, Kitty (Mia Battaglia), at her heels as they spy on their older sisters before scampering offstage. The two squeal in excitement over the militia and giggle mischievously as they meet the suspiciously charming Mr. Wickham (Charlie Battaglia).

As Mr. Bingley, Brayden Martino stands up straight with an air of aristocracy that is balanced by a warm and goofy grin. Martino looks at his feet and holds his hands behind his back while speaking to Miss Jane Bennet (Kendall Schmidt) to portray a flustered gentleman in love and shifts with jittery excitement when laughing at Mr. Darcy's unfriendly demeanor. Contrasting with Martino is Grace Underwood as Miss Bingley. Underwood glides across the stage with regality and an air of pretention. Her stance shifts from slinking around Mr. Darcy flirtatiously to holding her chin up as she confronts Elizabeth with disdainful scowls.

"Pride and Prejudice" is an extremely complicated tale, but Orange Lutheran delivers a charming rendition.