Pride & Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberly - Westport Country Playhouse

The world premiere of Ken Ludwig’s Pride & Prejudice, Part 2:  Napoleon at Pemberly, is disappointing.  All the main characters from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice are back, but the premise – Napoleon is being sequestered at the Darcy estate until the British government escorts him into exile at Elba – is underwhelming.  Fortunately, the production has the good fortune of having Reg Rogers cast as the deposed French general.  The seasoned actor, while not saving the show, is a pure delight ordering people around or being indifferent to the denizens at Pemberly, or flattering the lady folk.  Kristine Nielsen’s Lady Catherine de Bourgh is also a commanding and comedic presence.  Her squabbles with Napoleon are highly entertaining.  Sadly, their tiffs are few and far between.

The cast of Pride & Prejudice, Part 2:  Napoleon at Pemberly.  Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Lugwig, known for his farces Lend Me a Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo, as well as his mysteries, keeps the plot more straightforward, with the occasional door slam or abrupt exit.  We find Elizabeth and Darcy one-year into their marriage.  She’s bored.  He’s focused on his work.  When the opportunity to house Napoleon comes forth, Elizabeth jumps at the opportunity, which greatly displeases her husband.  Nevertheless, he arrives as do other characters from the book – Lydia Wickham, Anne de Bourgh, Mr. Collins – along with a Lieutenant Melville and Major Hudson Lowe.  There is much consternation among the group in regards to Napoleon.  There are romances and even a ball that is planned.  My issue with the play the story just moves along, not really amounting to anything of significance.  Characters, such as Mr. Collins and Major Hudson Lowe, both played by the actor Carson Elrod, pontificate and are boorish.  Towards the end of the play, there’s a grand rescue and a shooting to spice up the production, but, again, it doesn’t amount to much drama or comedy.

Kristine Nielsen and Reg Rogers in Pride & Prejudice, Part 2:  Napoleon at Pemberly.  Photo by Carol Rose

Playwright Ken Ludwig is a master at conjuring up unpredictability for his original works.  The issue here is taking the known quantity of Pride & Prejudice and attempting to weave in story complications and intricacies, which is much harder to realize.

 

Director Emily Mann has the cast constantly on the move, coming in and out of scenes, in an attempt to spark some excitement in the production.  However, besides a lot of ranting and boisterous exclamations from characters, there is not much to be enthusiastic about.

Delphi Borich and Tony Roach in Pride & Prejudice, Part 2:  Napoleon at Pemberly.  Photo by Carol Rose
 

The cast is game for the playfulness, mischievousness, and plot twists within the play.  In addition to Rees and Nielsen, Delphi Borich imbues Elizabeth Darcy with a spirited and esprit de corps.  Tony Roach’s Darcy, handsome and somewhat aloof, comes across as a more secondary character.  Carson Elrod, in his dual role of Mr. Collins and Major Hudson Lowe is too bombastic and maddening.  Lucy Austin's Lydia Wickham is too churlish and discordant.

 

Beowulf Boritt's English Regency period Scenic Design is beautifully rendered.  Coupled with Jennifer von Mayrhauser's Costume Design, the show looks great.

 

Pride & Prejudice, Part 2:  Napoleon at Pemberly, playing at the Westport Country Playhouse through 7.  Click here dates, times, and ticket information.