Pride and Prejudice
at North Broward Preparatory School

Reviewed on October 16, 2015

Taylor Fish
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

While girls throughout England fantasize their futures with men they have yet to meet, Elizabeth Bennet could not be the least bit concerned in North Broward Preparatory School's production of Pride and Prejudice.

Originally a beloved Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice was published in 1813 and made its way to the Broadway stage on November 6, 1935 as a stage adaptation written by Helen Jerome. The story embarks in 19th century England with Elizabeth, the highly sarcastic and exceedingly headstrong daughter of the Bennet family, who demonstrates indifference towards each suitor that arrives at the Bennet residence in search of a bride among the family's three daughters. When Elizabeth encounters a wealthy suitor with an unsociable disposition named Mr. Darcy, she develops an aversion to his presence that vindicates the concepts of love, social division, and family.

North Broward Preparatory School's production splendidly displayed these themes through their apparent captivation of the story. Understanding of this historical piece was aided by the intent focus of each member of the cast as they casually chatted at the ball, nonchalantly dusted the Bennets' furniture, or outwardly disputed with their counterparts. Every performer presented themselves as actively engaged throughout each scene they appeared in, and this brought further enthrallment with the storyline.

Great commendation is deserved by Tommi Rose and Neil Goodman, who portrayed Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, respectively. The chemistry between these two actors overflowed to the point where it seemed almost tangible. Both of these leading performers brought an entirely different aura to the plot with each appearance they made, providing a cutting seriousness to add to the charming humor of the rest of the characters. The lengthy pauses of contemplation that both Rose and Goodman incorporated into their deliveries offered a weight to the words of the script that the quicker spoutings of lines lacked. This significant change in pacing gave the production a variety that complimented the audience's understanding.

Much of the lighthearted humor of the show can be credited to Samuel Kelly-Cohen for his portrayal of Mr. Collins. His eccentric interpretation as a twitchy man who is unaware of personal boundaries offered a hysterical physicality that intensified the fluctuations between comedy and drama in the show. Though Kelly-Cohen quite literally went head-over-heels for his commitment to portraying the bizarre character, several performers in the show lacked serious conviction in the delivery of their lines, distracting from the entrancement they captivated the audience with previously.

While the stage appeared so beautifully lavished with intricate set pieces and appropriate properties for this era of England, complications arose with the length of the transitions between scenes. Many of the blackouts lasted an uneasy amount of time as the audience watched the shadows of the crew members place tables, chairs, tea sets, and other various constructions into their destinations. The amount of tasks the crew needed to accomplish during each transition seemed extensive, and this created a problematic aspect for the show.

The sophistication of Pride and Prejudice is far greater than that of the typical high school play, and the cast and crew of this production merits admirable recognition for accomplishing such a grand task. With generally authentic accents and clear diction, the performers of this show successfully made a complexly witty English script clear in its plot and intentions to the audience. North Broward Preparatory should definitely feel the utmost pride.

Erin Cary
NSU University School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

Status, wealth, love, and family – concepts that have riddled intelligent minds for centuries. In an elegant and sentimental performance, the students at North Broward Preparatory School tackled these notions, bringing to life the classic story of Pride and Prejudice.

In the early 1800s English countryside, a family of young, eligible daughters each fight for a marriage that will gain them a high position in society. The only girl not inclined to wed is the regal and educated Elizabeth Bennet. Originally an 1813 novel by Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice grapples with the significance of love and status. Adapted into a theatrical format by Helen Jerome, the play premiered on Broadway in 1935.

The dedication of the lead actors enamored the audience from start to finish. Tommi Rose spectacularly bore the acumen and independence of Elizabeth Bennet, while still conveying Elizabeth's compassion and kindness. Even in silent moments, her face captured the resilience and curiosity of her character, seizing the audience's interest. Displaying much of the same constant engagement, Neil Goodman crafted a strong and compelling character. He expressed a clear arch in Mr. Darcy, developing noticeably in passion and boldness as the show progressed. The two leads worked together to create an authentic connection between their characters, palpable in almost every scene between them.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennet (Cameron Glass and Sharon Hammer respectively) also brought a refreshing air to the performance. Glass broadcasted a skillfully-crafted fatherly identity with a touching care for his daughters, evident in his movements and vocal tones. Samantha Hodes, as Jane Bennet, wonderfully expressed the greater subtleties of a shy and quiet character. With her hesitant disposition, she brought a unique likeability to a well-deserving role. Samuel Kelly-Cohen produced some comic relief as the snooty Mr. Collins. His unusual movements and characteristics provoked laughter from the audience, and he consistently maintained his humorous persona.

Jennifer Carter as the youngest Bennet daughter, Lydia, successfully depicted both her age and her development throughout the show. When Lydia was wed, the audience clearly saw the soar in confidence through Carter's new boldness of voice and exaggerated gestures. Carmen Horn excellently portrayed the villainous Miss Bingley. Her embellished motions and impactful vocal intonations made her the woman that everyone loves to hate. Caroline Skuta and Sam Fishman, as Lady Catherine De Bourgh and Colonel Guy Fitzwilliam respectively, composed strong and believable roles, using subtle changes in character disposition to bring different elements to their scenes. The maids, as well, did a spectacular job in bringing humor and new rudiments to many scenes. While some lines were garbled or weakened because of poor pacing, the cast members spoke constantly with convincing English accents. The sincerity of many of these characters also helped to make up for any lack of conviction in others' lines.

The show's program elegantly displayed the hard work of the publicity team, beautifully encapsulating the essence of the show. While some characters' makeup appeared over-exaggerated, the 1800s hairstyles served excellently to maintain the time period. The orchestra, without many songs, conquered their pieces successfully.

By the end of the show, the audience had enjoyed three acts of delight, fear, and humor. Thanks to a wonderful cast and crew, the viewers gained a new understanding of the sins of pride and prejudice.

Kelly Blauschild
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

Jane Austen once wrote, "Where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation." Perhaps she wasn't speaking of North Broward Preparatory School, but she may well have been; their production of Pride and Prejudice proved nothing short of such praise.

Pride and Prejudice, set in rural England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, tells the heartwarming tale of two acquaintances who overcome social bias to fall in love. This performance was that of Helen Jerome's adaptation for modern theatre, circa 1935. It was based on the Jane Austen novel of the same title, which rose to high acclaim after being published in 1813. Austen's story emphasizes timeless themes that are still prevalent today, such as love, marriage, family, and class. These themes are what allow Austen's literature to retain notoriety regardless of age.

Although the show reaches far beyond the maturity of most teenagers, the actors approached it with honor. The commendable rapport within the cast and crew verified the respect that the members had for one another.

Elizabeth Bennet (Tommi Rose) is the protagonist of Pride and Prejudice- a sweetheart with an intelligent edge. Rose managed to mirror the infamous wit of Elizabeth with ease. One notable aspect of her performance was her consistent British accent. While some characters struggled to speak with the poise often associated with old English, Rose's speech was genuine and unfaltering. Her "good girl" demeanor contrasted strikingly with her arrogant counterpart, Mr. Darcy (Neil Goodman). Having been nominated for multiple Cappies in the past, Goodman is no stranger to the theatre. He undoubtedly held his reign of the high school drama hierarchy with this successful portrayal of the egocentric Darcy. Goodman showed a strong control and understanding of his character through his speech and physicality. He approached each scene with focus, exerting fierce diction and projection. His cold gestures and harsh posture accurately reflected his cruel character. Also evident was his energy, which kept the audience captivated even in moments of silence. The chemistry between Rose and Goodman was apparent, and both actors reached their peak in the confrontational scene in which Darcy proposes to Elizabeth. Goodman's dynamic skill heightened at this point; his pained confession of affection showed that though his love for Elizabeth had helped him evolve, it was not yet strong enough to overcome his internalized narcissism.

Lydia Bennet (Jennifer Carter) caught the audience's attention gracefully, and without overshadowing "larger" characters. Carter portrayed her age as the youngest sister with absolute clarity. Her development into Mrs. Wickham hinted at her naiveté and exemplified his predatory nature. Carter's characterization allowed her presence to be felt long after she had physically left the stage. Lydia and Elizabeth, along with Jane Bennet (Samantha Hodes), illustrated the beautiful and complicated chemistry involved in sisterhood. Though the comedy of Mr. Collins (Samuel Kelly-Cohen) was not particularly integral to the plot, the audience received his humor well and certainly appreciated his addition to the show.

Despite some lingering set changes, the play ran smoothly. There were minor microphone errors at times, but the actor's perseverance through the technical difficulties minimized any distraction they might have caused.

North Broward Preparatory School's production of Pride and Prejudice demonstrated intellect and finesse, offering a fine tribute to Austen's classic tale.

Maya Quinones
Deerfield Beach High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

When your first priority in life is to be married by thirty, arrogant pessimists, awkward cousins, and kindhearted abandoners may just qualify as fantastic matrimonial candidates. North Broward Preparatory School's lively production of Pride and Prejudice had all the bachelorettes of 1813 England weighing their options.

Adapted to the Broadway stage by Helen Jerome in 1936, Jane Austen's classic novel was brought to life with this faithful and intelligent adaption. Although Jerome's Pride and Prejudice has not made its mark on the modern Great White Way, high school theaters continue to undertake the spirited, yet sentimental comedy. Pride and Prejudice demonstrates the class struggles and societal pressures of early 19th century England, while also telling one of the most cherished love stories of all time.

Neil Goodman plays the attractive but extremely judgmental Mr. Darcy, mindful of his social status. Goodman executed an impressive range of emotion as Mr. Darcy transformed into an affectionate and caring gentleman. With impeccable inflection and dominating stage presence, Goodman captured the role of Mr. Darcy and never let go. Tommi Rose plays the witty and independent Elizabeth Bennet, object of Mr. Darcy's desires. Rose never failed to have chemistry with her fellow actors. From hilariously awkward marriage proposals to sweet interactions with her older sister, it was clear that Rose had completely embodied her character.

Sharon Hammer brought a whirlwind of energy to the performance as the frivolous and emotional Mrs. Bennet. With an unwavering British accent and a perfectly high pitched wail, Hammer was devoted to her character. When you're on the hunt for love why not consider your own cousin? Samuel Kelly-Cohen plays the uncoordinated Mr. Collins, cousin of the three Bennet sisters. Cohen had impressive comedic timing and was committed to the awkward stature and personality of his unique character. Samantha Hodes plays Jane, the beautiful but humble eldest Bennet sister. Hodes brought a touching quality to Jane as she expressed her sorrows to her aunt and excitement to her younger sister with poignant intimacy. The melodious string quintet underscored the actors throughout the performance, heightening the romantic atmosphere.

The set invited us into 19th century British ballrooms and drawing rooms, adorned with paintings and large windows. Although some elevated set pieces intended to be used in later acts were visible to the audience, this did not take away the impressive quality and detailed construction of the piece when they ultimately descended onto the stage. The microphones were consistent and coherent with very little volume fluctuation or error. While some actors had difficulty expressing the seniority of their characters, the makeup application successfully differentiated the various ages. With period dance and costumes, the performance completely transported the audience 202 years into the past.

Pride and Prejudice is more than just the assigned reading stuffed at the bottom of a high schooler's backpack. The story is a relevant depiction of a women who is not willing to forfeit her integrity to conform to her society. North Broward Preparatory School should feel nothing but pride for their splendid production.

Shea Kleinman
West Broward High School
Submitted for publication to Floridatheateronstage.com

Money is power; it drives us to act a certain way and turn a blind eye to our more unrefined emotions. The overcasting veil of ignorance that social class creates makes it difficult to truly understand the motives and desires of those in them. We get a taste of how people battle and overcome these social barriers in North Broward Preparatory school's production of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Based on the 1813 classic, the play revolves around the Bennet household, racing to see all of their daughters married while rich men visit their home in the English countryside. Through all of their strife throughout the play, the soon learn that love can be the only basis for matrimony.

The performance was supported by the commendable talent of its actors and their exquisite use of subtlety. Each character and ensemble member's attention to detail and engagement in every scene helped analyze the social taboos and pompousness of a 19th century empirical England. In order to stay true to the play, the production's use of the actor's English accents took the audience further into the story and into the characters.

Neil Goodman's performance of Mr. Darcy showed true promise as his commanding stage presence and dynamic emotional shifts led us though some of the major themes in the play. Few interactions in this production however, could rival the chemistry displayed between Mr. Darcy and the intelligent and not so polite at times Miss Elizabeth Bennet, performed by Tommi Rose. Her exceptional display of social defiance and somewhat sassy disregards for formalities added to the intelligence of her character and the intensity of the play as a whole.

Both characters had light-years of support from the entirety of the ensemble. Jennifer Carter and Samantha Hodes added internal motive the Elizabeth's character in their performances of Lydia and Jane Bennet respectively, while also creating their own distinct characters as they both struggle to be married. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, establish their roles as the guides and mentors of the sisters while also providing their own comic relief successfully throughout each act. While some actions seemed very forced, the majority of the supporting roles and ensemble showed a clear understanding of their character and importance in the play, in particular Carmen Sierra Horn's performance of Miss Caroline Bingley. Her subtle facial expressions and eye movement during the ballroom scene showed her clear intentions as the antagonist figure in the play without any dialogue at all. Another notable performance was Samuel Kelly-Cohen as Mr. Collins. His portrayal of this strange character led to several laugh out loud moments in the play and turned a questionable role into one that is easily loved.

North Broward Prep turned what is classically a minimal set into an all-out masterpiece, fully utilizing backdrops and furniture pieces to completely envision several Victorian estates. Although some of the sound was distracting at points, it, along with an impressive light display gave the show a better sense of reality and attention in the story. The costuming and makeup of the play is also worthy of admiration. Besides slight discrepancies in the ages of certain characters, the costume and makeup design turned high school students into the ladies and gentlemen of upper class England.

This play showed its audience how to see through the facade that money tends to create and how to push past social norms and be who you truly want to be. In the end, North Broward Prep's production successfully displayed each character pushing through pride and prejudice in order to find happiness.

Brooke Whitaker
Archbishop McCarthy High School
Submitted for publication to The Forum

Who knew marriage, manners, and morality could be so entertaining? North Broward Prep's production of Pride and Prejudice brings the beloved novel to the stage with plenty of heart and humor.

Helen Jerome's play, adapted from the classic 1813 novel by Jane Austen, takes a more comical approach to the source material while still retaining the social commentary. In the British countryside, a woman's only hope for a successful future is to marry, and Mrs. Bennet is eager to match up her three daughters with suitable husbands. Yet Elizabeth Bennet, the headstrong, whip-smart middle child, is more interested in criticizing men than complimenting them. Enter Mr. Darcy, a standoffish, conceited, and wealthy bachelor, who, despite taking an immediate disliking to Elizabeth, can't seem to resist her. Will they overcome their respective pride and prejudice in order to find their own happy ending?

Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, played by Tommi Rose and Neil Goodman respectively, had a captivating chemistry, a connection that was equal parts reserved, romantic, and refined. Rose brought a twenty-first century sensibility to her role, delivering scathing quips with sophistication. She conveyed the restrictions of the time period through her formal physicality and facial expressions, and yet still seemed relaxed and natural on stage. Goodman played off this well, utilizing spot-on line delivery in order to show glimpses of Darcy's good nature underneath his aloof presence. He clearly understood the intensions off his character, and showed a clear arc through his transition from priggish to passionate.

A supporting cast of colorful English gentry infused the romantic drama with great doses of humor. Samuel Kelly-Cohen, as Mr. Collins, hilariously captured the sleazy and peculiar nature of his character by slithering across the stage, sniffing characters and tumbling over furniture at the most opportune moments. Mrs. Bennet, played by Sharon Hammer, was in constant hysterics, and her exchanges with her husband Mr. Bennet (Cameron Glass) brought out their amusingly dysfunctional relationship.

Other characters balanced out the humor with heartfelt and realistic performances. Jane Bennet, played by Samantha Hodes, was all blush and sweetness, yet still showed impressive depth, particularly in the scene where she learns that the man she loves has become engaged to another woman.

Makeup, while a bit heavy, emphasized the lighthearted nature of the show, with women sporting extravagant wrinkles and men donning huge sideburns. The student orchestra that played during the ballroom scene skillfully added to the high class English aesthetic, never drowning out the actors.

It is indeed a truth universally acknowledged that North Broward Prep's production of Pride and Prejudice is a charming romp through nineteenth century romance, wit, and matrimony.