Sense and Sensibility
at Campbell County High School

Reviewed on November 10, 2019

Matthew Eggers
Walnut Hills High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 1

Before the performance, the stage was abuzz. The ensemble, moseying around the stage dressed in Crocs and frocks, laughed while holding smart-phones. Projections of group chats framed the center stage adorned with a minimal Regency-era set. All these details were set to make Campbell County High School's production of "Sense and Sensibility" a fresh new take on a well-known story.

Adapted from the beloved Jane Austen novel and adapted by Kate Hamill in 2014, "Sense and Sensibility" follows the love stories of two Dashwood sisters, level-headed Elinor and passionate Marianne, and their challenging road to finding husbands. Although layered with jaw-dropping scandal and complicated family situations, "Sense and Sensibility, at its core, is a story about love in a world full of gossip and deceit. Campbell County High School tackled the technical and emotional challenges of Kate Hamill's adaptation to provide a show worthy of a "like", and maybe even a "retweet".

Actresses Tiana Mounts and Grace Songer, who played Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, met their characters' challenges with great effort. Mounts showed intense focus and a strong understanding of her complex track as she weaved between hedges and tables from scene to scene. Songer embraced the ebb and flow of her character's heart in sickness and in health, delivering her wide range of emotions with grace. In scenes where both Mounts and Songer graced the stage, their performances rang true for any sister duo trying to find their way through a social minefield.

The supporting cast also contained wonderful performances that highlighted the intricate critiques of social structures that Austen fans have come to love. The performances of Mrs. Jennings (Carollen Aboagye), a hilarious matchmaker and confidante to the Dashwoods, and Mrs. Dashwood (Hannah Breitenstein), the poised widow and mother of the Dashwood girls, encapsulated the broad range of Austen's characters. While Aboagye brought a brassy and eccentric voice that accentuated her memorable moments in the play, Breitenstein gave a grounded performance and acted as an emotional palette-cleanser in the story. Although Aboagye was undermined by her skirt's zipper breaking, she handled this hindrance with professionalism, for which she deserves applause.

In addition, Brandon Cobb as Colonel Brandon gave a dignified performance as one of the few male voices in a female-driven story. Cobb's quiet and constant presence throughout Act One strengthened his more poignant moments in Act Two. Cobb's performance reached its peak in Act Two when he got to opening up about Colonel Brandon's illegitimate daughter; not only was it emotionally heavy, but perfectly audible and clear because of Cobb's excellent execution of the dialect.

Assistant directors Josie Bird and Gracie Markus went above and beyond to show their own relatable take on Austen's message. Not only did they bring Kate Hamill's vision of a fast-paced period piece to life,they also took time to infuse modern commentary as well. The use of social media ingeniously created a comedic summary of complicated plot points, but also redirected the audience from the multitude of set changes happening below. The use of Twitter screenshots, group chat screen recordings, and Snapchat stories brought the scandalous nature of the show to the forefront. This design element was diligently executed by the special effects crew (Adelaide Sheets, Gracie Markus, and crew), who utilized the cyclorama for projections.

Overall, Campbell County High School's production of "Sense and Sensibility" showed that with the help of social media, as well as amazing technical and acting elements, Austen's message can become relevant to the modern audience.

Lee Garber-Ford
Taylor High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 10

In the 1800's, England was a country obsessed with reputation - the better your reputation was, the more well-off you would inevitably be. And one of the most important things to one's reputation was who someone loved and to whom they married. Campbell Country Theatre Arts showed these characteristics of English society in their play, "Sense and Sensibility."

"Sense and Sensibility" is a modern adaptation by Kate Hamill of a novel of the same name by Jane Austen. At its core, it's a play about two sisters: Marianne and Elinor. Elinor, being the aforementioned "sense," is reasonable and collected, while Marianne,the "sensibility," is romantic and emotional. After their father's death, their entire estate is passed to their already married half-brother, whose wife encourages him to leave almost nothing to the sisters. When both of these now-penniless sisters find themselves in love triangles, what will they do to find true love?

As a whole, the production was quite creative, and the acting was good. All of the characters had proper English accents, the humor in the play was pulled off with grace, and the actors were always in character.

Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, played by Tiana Mounts and Grace Songer, respectfully, were a pair of great actresses. Tiana was able to demonstrate Elinor's sense, helping show both her responsibility and her feelings of isolation, and Grace was able to show Marianne's emotional character, being able to be dramatic and romantic. Although they both had very distinct character traits, Grace and Tiana were able to accentuate these differences while showing what they both had in common - a deep love for each other.

The Gossips were the most versatile actresses in the play, basically acting as its entire ensemble. They had lots of stage time - going on stage before the actual show even started, and staying on pretty much throughout. When they weren't on stage, they were preparing to be part of other scenes where they twirled with umbrellas, danced at a ball, and even played the parts of horses and dogs! When they had their own scenes, they were always quite hilarious.

One of the most impressive things about Campbell County's show was its creativity - they took a lot of risks in their production. One of the biggest was using modern media, like group chats and tweets, throughout the play by throwing up images or recordings of the Gossips' gossip. One such quote, when Marianne was being carried by Willoughby, read "Be my gallant preserver." Although it could have turned out better, this was definitely an interesting twist to the 19th-century plot. Another point of interest was a hilarious "slow-motion" catfight between Lucy and Fanny, which was recorded and shown from multiple angles. Lastly, the crew incorporated somewhat of a "ballet" scene into the play by having Marianne dance with the Gossips in the rain.

In the end, "Sense and Sensibility" is a tough show to perform, but Campbell County was able to create a convincing show, bringing the stage back to the 1800's.

Lucy Lawler
Saint Ursula Academy
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 2

Master of romance and realism, Jane Austen has a reputation for writing beautiful books. Born in the late 1700's, the once ignored author is now a phenomenon. Her works explore status, sacrifice, and… social media. In Campbell County High School's production of "Sense and Sensibility," Austen's debut novel gets a modern makeover.

Penned in 2014, Kate Hamill's "Sense and Sensibility" is a sprightly adaptation of the original story. The narrative focuses on Elinor and Marianne Dashwood , two sisters with utterly opposite outlooks. Left penniless by their father's passing, the girls attempt to navigate Regency romance. However, various obstacles (including a sly, secret fiancée and a reckless rogue) derail their futures entirely. Chronicled by a group of gossips, the play addresses a classic Austenian inquiry: with love on the line, should one choose risk over reputation?

Campbell County Theatre's performance was exquisitely entertaining. Perhaps the most interesting facet of the production was the integration of modern technology. Projected texts, tweets, and snaps mimicked the insidious nature of the early 1800's; furthermore, the creativity of the cast and crew added to the play's appeal.

Tiana Mounts delivered a nuanced portrayal of Elinor Dashwood . Poised and prepared, the actress perfectly conveyed the pain of emotional repression. Although her character is often labeled as rigid and reserved, Mounts's performance was anything but. Each look, gesture, and expression allowed the audience to understand Elinor on a deeper level. Grace Songer , who played Marianne Dashwood , was charismatic and charming. Whether she was practicing prose or lamenting love, the actress left absolutely everything onstage. Together, the two foils drove the production forward.

The supporting cast exhibited serious commitment to the difficult narrative. One notable character was Edward Ferrars , portrayed by Liam Stewart . Shy and sweet, Stewart was the perfect embodiment of a gentlemen. Carollen Aboagye also impressed as Mrs. Jennings , a bustling matchmaker and mother figure. Full of vivacity, the actress was a constant source of comic relief. The Gossips (Grace Combs , Aubrie Klei , Bailey Klei , Tabby Allender , and Lacie Ollberding ) were hilariously effective. Bridging the gap between past and present, the five girls offered themselves up as living set pieces. Overall, the show's amusing atmosphere was generated by each and every actor.

Campbell County also succeeded when it came to technical elements. The Marketing and Publicity Crew, led by Josie Bird , embraced the play's modern ties by creating a personalized Snapchat filter. The set, which was constructed by various students, framed the story beautifully. Suspended windows provided visual interest, and portable scenery supported the show's rapid pace. Sound was also a vital aspect, especially the use of traditional and contemporary music. Songs such as "Fix You" by Coldplay and "All of Me" by John Legend were played during scene changes, establishing a sense of familiarity. Despite minor mic issues, the cast and crew persisted to deliver a clean-cut performance.

Campbell County High School's "Sense and Sensibility" was truly the best of both worlds. Retaining the strong sentiment of Jane Austen, the production also explored the modern power of perception.

Clare Brennan
Walnut Hills High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 3

The lights rose, creating a subtle amber glow around the picturesque set, classical sounds from a pianoforte droning throughout the theater. Everything appeared to be set for a typical period piece— and then a dummy dropped from the ceiling. With this beat of humor, Campbell County High School's "Sense and Sensibility" had already surpassed any expectations of being a normal evening of Regency-era theatre.

"Sense and Sensibility" is based on the cherished novel by famed 18th-century novelist Jane Austen and was adapted for the stage by Kate Hamill in 2014. The story follows sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood after the death of their father which leaves their futures uncertain. By the end of the play, the two young women, through their experiences in life and love, both find themselves with a greater understanding of the happy medium between sense and sensibility. In this recent adaptation, the show is fast-moving, barely giving the audience time to breathe despite the older source material.

In the leading roles of Elinor and Marianne , Tiana Mounts and Grace Songer portrayed the pair of sisters with dynamism in their tumultuous journey to find love. Mounts , as Elinor , was calm, yet compelling as the more sensible sister. Mounts brought a necessary poise to the role that helped to evoke the feeling of a Regency-era woman forced to conceal her true feelings. As the lively, heart-on-her-sleeve Marianne , Songer was a joy to watch; her performance fully displayed the highs and lows Marianne experiences. As Marianne falls in love with Willoughby , Songer appeared to be filled with the delight and wonder of first love while her vulnerability and depth was showcased after Marianne's devastating illness and split from Willoughby . While both actresses gave admirable performances in their own right, the two were also realistic as sisters, playing off one another with a nice familiarity.

While the lead performers showcased emotional depth and realism, the supporting cast was hilarious. Carollen Aboaye, as Mrs. Jennings, was the comedic highlight of the production. As the blabbing, busy-body matchmaker, Aboaye carried out every opportunity for a laugh with success. Despite playing such a bombastic character, Aboaye brought a lovable charm to every scene in which she was featured. Also bringing levity to the show was Anna Pack as Margaret Dashwood , the sassy, youngest Dashwood sister, who was full of zest as she popped in to deliver her many zingers. Both of these comical performances pleasantly accented the admittedly long show filled with dramatic twists and turns.

In terms of the show's technical aspects, the set was simply beautiful. Although not designed by students, the set build crew was helmed by Jocelyn Vasquez who was assisted by Campbell County's stagecraft classes. Together they worked to execute the exquisite set. The simple door frames and hedges were not only well-executed but perfectly served the fast-paced production, as they were frequently moved for the many scene changes. Additionally, Josie Bird and Gracie Markus , the assistant directing team, were responsible for the modern twists throughout the production. Perhaps their most distinct contributions were the multiple texts, Snapchats , and tweets that were projected throughout the show. While the projections were often amusing, they also clarified the events of the preceding scene. This ingenious idea made the show admirably accessible to die-hard Austen fans as well as those completely unfamiliar with her work.

Even with the fast-paced nature of the material, Campbell County High School pulled together a lovely piece of theatre that not only moved but was funny and took time to drive home the main themes of sincerity and finding oneself among the constant gossiping of others.

Piper Chatman
Taylor High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 4

How can a high school drama department breathe new life into a play based on a novel from 1811 that has been continuously republished across three centuries? For the cast and crew of Campbell County High School's production of "Sense and Sensibility," the answer was to infuse the classic tale with a modern twist.

The story takes place in Edwardian England, where status and reputation were judged in society as harshly as they're judged in high schools today. Gossiping has maintained its popularity, but with the advent of social media, judgments are now documented in an online forum. This added a clever, hilarious glimpse of public opinion to Kate Hamill's 2014 adaptation of Jane Austen's novel. Left with only a meager income after their father's death, the three Dashwood sisters must move with their mother from their estate to a modest home. Elder sisters Elinor and Marianne face many obstacles and find love amid the prying eyes of the town gossips.

The talented cast tirelessly tackled the British accent and a great deal of dialogue. The crew's creativity and efficiency provided entertaining, impactful audiovisual elements.

As the female lead, Tiana Mounts brilliantly portrayed Elinor. She artfully conveyed an acceptance of convention as she later exuded raw emotion and vulnerability. The male lead, Liam Stewart, played the awkward, endearing character of Edward Ferrars beautifully. His performance highlighted the best aspects of the novel's characterization of him. The chemistry between Mounts and Stewart was undeniable from the start of the show, which made their kiss at the end all the more satisfying.

The supporting cast was tremendous, and one of the most notable performances was that of Grace Songer. Her range of emotion as the expressive Marianne Dashwood was convincing. Her sadness when the true colors of John Willoughby, Payton Couch , were revealed felt genuine. Brandon Cobb's performance as the subdued, yet kind-hearted Colonel Brandon complemented Songer's. Anna Pack added depth to the character of Margaret Dashwood through comedy. However, the main sources of comedic relief in this production came from AJ Sena and Carollen Aboagye, who played Sir John Middleton and Mrs. Jennings respectively. Their loud outbursts added levity amid the tension of several scenes, and viewers eagerly awaited another of Mrs. Jennings' quips throughout the show. While the slow-motion fight generated the biggest audience reaction, it would be remiss to overlook Nathan Wipfel's hilarious deadpan manner as Robert Ferrars.

Having the Gossips post their reactions to some scenes on their shared Twitter account added an effective contrast to the dramatic events that were taking place. The music during scene transitions included a blend of classic and contemporary compositions, further adding to the relatability of the show. While musical fade-outs would have been preferable to the abrupt cuts, the volume and variety of music yielded an audibly pleasing performance. Likewise, the combination of period-specific costumes with modern footwear aligned with the motif of blending the classic with the contemporary.

Campbell County's bold choices in adding modern flair to a well-known story resulted in a spectacular show that appealed to all ages. The differences between the rational mind and emotions exemplified in sisters Elinor and Marianne continued to appeal to fans of the novel, while the modern elements held the attention of younger generations.

Olivia Busche
Walnut Hills High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 5

When walking through a high school hallway, one might expect to see teens gossiping, buzzing about the latest social media craze with cell phones in hand. Campbell County High School took these high school cliches and integrated them into the world of the Dashwood family in "Sense and Sensibility ." The Jane Austen classic, adapted by Kate Hamil , was brought to life in the high-spirited production with a modern twist.

The story follows the Dashwood family who has recently suffered the loss of their father and thus, their fortune. The Dashwood sisters, Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret, as well as their mother, move to a cottage owned by a distant relative. A series of suitors pursues Elinor and Marianne as they question their respective sense and sensibility.

The production took a 21st-century twist having "The Gossip" ensemble at the forefront of the production. The five ensemble members were the bona fide vehicle of the modern concept. "The Gossips" wore street shoes and had cell phones in hand the whole show. Their texts and tweets (commenting on Elinor and Marianne's every move) were projected behind the set. This created a parallel between the societal pressures felt from social media today and the societal pressures The Dashwood sisters felt in Regency Society. The concept, as a whole, helped a modern audience relate more to the older narrative.

The undisputed leads of the show were Tiana Mounts , who played Elinor , and Grace Songer , who took on the role of Marianne . Mounts was lovely as the eldest sister. She portrayed Elinor as level-headed and practical while still showcasing the comedic elements of her character. Songer was constantly impressive as she gave a believable and touching performance as the more emotional middle sister. Having these two actresses at the helm of the performance helped move the show along efficiently.

Other standout performers were Carollen Aboagye and Anna Pack . Aboagye's side-splitting performance as Mrs. Jennings was unforgettable. Her hilarious commentary as the meddling matchmaker kept the story light when more dramatic themes arose. Pack played the youngest Dashwood sister, Margaret . She flawlessly exemplified the bratty and humorous sides of the character which perfectly juxtaposed the more serious attitudes of the eldest sisters. Although the English dialect was inconsistent at times, overall the cast managed to keep their accents mostly authentic.

Despite some sound issues, the tech persevered. The sound design included classical versions of modern pop songs, such as "Whistle" by Flo Rida and "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction , that played during scene changes. Adding these songs helped further the 21st-century concept. Devin Arthur and crew dressed the actors in a myriad of stunning pieces that fit the Regency style quite well. The costume design for Elinor was particularly impressive, dressing Mounts in elegant full-length dresses and capelets to accentuate the poised manner of the character.

With a fantastic cast and crew, Campbell County High School's production of "Sense and Sensibility" tackled the timeless classic with ease and innovation. Adding a modern twist on the renowned Austen piece was a bold choice that did not disappoint.

Anna Fuson
William Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 6

Romance, heartbreak, strong sister feels - that's right! Campbell County High School premiered their performance of "Sense & Sensibility" this past weekend.

The stories of three sisters, "Sense & Sensibility" was adapted for the stage in 2014 by Kate Hamil and follows the girls' stories of love and heartbreak after their father dies. Set inlate 1700's England when their father passes away, sisters, Marianne and Elinor Dashwood , played by Grace Songer and Tiana Mounts respectively, are left with nothing. As they struggle to find their place in the world, the girls encounter many suitors and try to figure out who they are and what they want.

Songer beautifully captured the strong, independent Marianne . Her performance stayed true to Austen's character, while keeping just the right amount of energy to truly play the sensible sister. Mounts's Elinor had a fitting presence on stage and easily commanded the voice of reason to counterbalance the outgoingness of Songer's character. Her portrayal captured the stong, logical, and complex Elinor stunningly.

The sisters are backed by their suitors, Edward Ferras , played by Liam Stewart ; Colonel Brandon , played by Brandon Cobb ; and John Willoughby , played by Payton Couch . Each gentleman portrayed the characters fittingly. Stewart's performance depicted the conflicted Edward. Cobb captured the inner kindness of the Colonel. Couch stayed true to Willoughby's internal conflicts. The comedic duo, Mrs. Jennings and Sir John Middleton , played by Carollen Aboagye and AJ Sena respectively, had the audience in stitches nearly every time they were on stage. Brooke Fornash's portrayal of Lucy Steele was stunning and moving.

Campbell County High School gave their own modern spin on the infamous story, creating the characters of the Gossips , played by Grace Combs , Aubrie Klei , Tabby Allender , Lacie Ollberding , and Bailey Klei . The Gossips, acting as an ensemble of sorts, played many roles throughout the show, but they primarily used social media to comment on the action. The Assistant Directors, Josie Bird and Gracie Markus , created a variety of text messages, tweets, and Snapchats that were projected by Adelaide Sheets during the show to comment, or gossip, on what was going on onstage. This idea was cleverly designed and executed. The use of social media was a perfect way to tie the older story to the current generation and to make it prevalent in a high school setting.

Although, the projections were not the only technical aspects worth mentioning. The Stage Manager, Jessi Spradlin , along with her Assistant Stage Managers, Abby Adkins and Izzy Beck and their crew, kept all the scene changes quick. The use of wheels on the tables and chairs were an innovative and effective way to keep the scene changes nearly instantaneous and make mid-scene changes. The wheeled chairs also added an interesting way to configure the scenes. The lighting, designed by Izzy Beck, was also creative and fit all the scenes. Sound crew, Abby Clark and Maya McIntosh also aimed to modernize the story by adding classic versions of more modern music for the scene transitions. This idea was another great way to help the audience relate to the show.

Overall, Campbell County's performance of "Sense & Sensibility" was a perfect blend of modern and classic. The creativity put into the performance was innovative and unique, while the characters stayed true to Austen's originals.

Zach Standley
Randall K. Cooper High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 7

The romance genre has been a part of literary history practically since humans learned to write. The challenge set forth by modern writers has been to work around traditional romantic stereotypes and create a new and inventive play. Impressively, Campbell County High School's production of "Sense and Sensibility" does just that.

"Sense and Sensibility" was originally written in 1811 by Jane Austen under the pseudonym "A Lady" and adapted to modern audiences by Kate Hamill. The play chronicles the complicated love triangles among Elinor Dashwood, Marianne Dashwood, Lucy Steele, Edward Ferrars, John Willoughby, and Colonel Brandon as they live their lives in southwest England, and how these characters develop both amiable and romantic relations with one another. Through conversation and discovery, these characters mature and bond to overcome emotional turmoils.

Campbell County High School broke typical theatrical traditions with their adaptation of a more modernized "Sense and Sensibility." They combined sets and costumes from the Regency Era with social media from the modern world. Even with a limited amount of scenery and the challenge of adapting a play with location changes nearly every page, Campbell County High School used their sets to their advantage and uniquely conquered practically any challenge the play sent their way. Overall, although there were minor stumbles with lines, all actors kept their accents consistent and delivered the rest of their lines with captivating passion. Even for a play written in 1811, there were hardly ever miscommunications about the plot thanks to the cast's stupendous deliverance of lines and the crew's efficiency in progressing the scenes and overall plot.

Elinor Dashwood, played by Tiana Mounts, did a phenomenal job with her character, not only displaying an aura of confidence and maturity through her vocals and movements, but also providing a realistic and captivating flow of emotional development. Marianne Dashwood, played by Grace Songer, displayed a wide array of emotion and tones, while keeping her character realistic and grounded. Even in scenes where she had little dialogue, Grace Songer was able to ease tension among characters. Edward Ferrars, played by Liam Stewart, displayed a sweet and affectionate, albeit remorseful, character who was easy to sympathize with. Colonel Brandon, played by Brandon Cobb, was a soft-spoken, articulate, and followable character who consistently progressed the plot.

The ensemble of this adaptation of "Sense and Sensibility" were The Gossips, a group of five girls who both served as comic relief and closed the gap between the old and new ages. The Gossips served wonderfully both as lighthearted comedians to ease dramatic tension during scenes, and as catalysts to further move the storyline ahead. Overall, The Gossips were an incredible group, with natural chemistry that made any and all appearances fun.

The tech work of "Sense and Sensibility" was one of unbridled originality. With a combination of projections of social media, classical and modern music, and creative props.The show flowed unbelievably smoothly, and very little was left to be desired in terms of efficiency and design. Even with occasional microphone malfunctions, the actors were able to adapt quickly to each situation and provide a respectable performance nonetheless.

All in all, Campbell County High School's production of "Sense and Sensibility" was a gracious success, and was a beautiful reminder of the freedom playwrights have in terms of adaptation of an otherwise historic script.

Charlotte Shores
Randall K. Cooper High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 8

True love is something exceptionally hard to come by. But, when it happens,it is overly intricate and egotistical. In the early nineteenth century, courtship was not always determined by love, but by a family's income. Love was hard to find and even harder to keep. A contemporary makeover of Jane Austen's famed novel about gossip, courtship, and witty sensibility was brought to Campbell County High School's stage in their production of "Sense & Sensibility ."

Based on the novel written by Jane Austen under the pseudonym "A Lady", "Sense & Sensibility " takes place in the Edwardian Era, where harsh class divides and revolutions roamed. The story follows the lives of the impoverished Dashwood family with a recently deceased father, Mr. Dashwood ; a devoted mother, Mrs. Dashwood ; and daughters, Elinor , (the oldest, sensible one) and Marianne (the emotional and impulsive one). When two bachelors, Edward Ferrars and John Willoughby , come to town, Elinor and Marianne's world turns upside down as the catastrophic effects of love become present in their lives.

The production, as a whole, brought forward a monstrous amount of enthusiasm and consistency, even following the climactic end to Act One. The harmonious British dialects of each actor were enthralling and well-rehearsed.

Grace Songer , who played Marianne Dashwood , was able to articulate dizzying highs of her emotions while becoming head-over-heels in love with Willoughby and later, illustrate formidable lows as she was ruthlessly dumped. Tiana Mounts , in the role of Elinor Dashwood , exercised caution and restraint with her love interest, yet as the story evolved, she showcased through her body language and voice that she was capable of deep devotion. Liam Stewart , whom she played off well, was a star in his own right. Exemplifying loyalty and shyness, Stewart displayed a pensive nature in the role of Edward Ferrars .

Similarly, the supporting actors and actresses tackled their roles with excellence, making even the smaller characters stand out. Carollen Aboagye , displayed sassiness and her exuberant passion for gossip in the comedic role of Mrs. Jennings . In addition, Brooke Fornash , who played the beguiling and money-hungry Lucy Steele, demonstrated outward sweetness with bitter, sleek coldness at the same time. Her sly emotions were able to reveal her intention to climb the social class ladder.

The five gossips, who represented today's society, were able to add a modern touch to the performance, even more so with various projections presenting Tweets, such as "New house, who dis" and "What's cookin good lookin," group text messages, and Snapchat stories. With two projectors on each side of the stage and witty captions, Adelaide Sheets , Gracie Markus , and crew added to the modern twist of the show. In addition, the scene changes were very fast and coherent, especially for a script which entails four different locations within two pages. Jessi Spradlin , Abby Adkins , Izzy Beck , and crew, were remarkable when moving rolly chairs and twirly scenery across the stage in a coherent manner.

With love triangles and heart-warming characters, "Sense & Sensibility" is everything one could want in a romanctic Bachelor-like drama. Campbell County High School excelled in their creative mash-up of traditional and modern in their production of "Sense & Sensibility ."

Erin Day
Taylor High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 9

The curtains were already open on Campbell County High School's stage , with The Gossips texting, tweeting, and goofing around. This modern twist in "Sense and Sensibility" helped propel the story into the 21st century.

"Sense and Sensibility" follows the Dashwood sisters after the loss of their father and as they come of age. Elinor Dashwood is the perfect gentlewoman, restrained, and the embodiment of sense. Her younger sister, Marianne Dashwood, is a romantic, reckless, and the embodiment of sensibility. Together they make their way through the social ranks and meet the lively Mrs. Jennings , the eccentric matchmaker. They meet eligible suitors Edward Ferrars , John Willoughby , and Colonel Brandon , though they might not be as eligible as they present themselves to be.

Leading the show is Tiana Mounts; her rigidness and posh accent were the perfect fit for Elinor Dashwood . No matter the situation, Mounts made each scene seem graceful and flowing until her final character breakdown. With tears in her eyes and a tearing voice, Mounts fell from sense into sensibility. On the opposite end was Grace Songer as Marianne Dashwood . Her youthful energy and radiant personality shown as she bounced across the stage, recklessly falling in love and running out in the rain. Songer shows a slow transition of fully growing up and losing some of the sense and following her sister into a more sensible state.

The love interests give lively twists to the story, even when their characters don't make the smartest choices. Liam Stewart portrayed Edward Ferrars the shy and kind gentleman. Stewart kept his energy going, even when his character was faced with the hardest decision of all, love or family. John Willoughby, Payton Couch , faces a different dilemma. After faking a love and then truly falling in love, Couch balanced the mean, untrustworthiness of a gold- digger, and the kind-hearted beauty of a man in love.

Following the whole story were The Gossips ; rarely leaving the stage, they tweeted every moment, never letting a story escape their grasps. They were the facilitators of the modern aspect of the show. Wearing time-appropriate dresses and modern Crocs, Converse, and boots they kept each scene moving. They were the representation of the pressure of society, social media, and time itself.

Not only were the actors fundamental to moving the scenes along, but the crew made quick work rolling chairs, tables, windows, and hedges on and off stage. Led by stage manager Jessi Spradlin, all crews helped advance the show into a masterpiece. With projections of tweets and texts being shown through the show, realistic and logical costumes, and a beautifully painted set each element came together for the show.

Our world has always been a gossip-driven society and "Sense and Sensibility" brings this to light. In the 21st century, gossip is spread around quicker than anyone thought possible, and Campbell County High School helps show this.