Jane Austen comes to Wimberley Players

Kate Hamill’s delightfully funny and quick-paced adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, “Sense and Sensibility,” follows the Dashwood sisters as they are forced to live amongst their meddling relations while navigating through the harsh truths of class distinctions. To the fiendish delight of Ms. Hamill’s cleverly written “Greek Chorus” of Gossips, the sensible and reserved Elinor and her ever romantic and emotional younger sister Marianne find themselves desperately in love with men above their station. Austen fans will not be disappointed in this beautifully staged and costumed production set against the backdrop of Regency era England and coupled with Austen’s always subtly subversive ironic language.

The 1995 film version of Austen’s “Sense & Sensibility” was adapted for the screen by actress Emma Thompson, who won the Oscar for it. Thompson was also nominated for her role as Elinor in the movie along with her screen sister, Kate Winslet, who played Marianne. The star-studded cast also included Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Tom Wilkinson and Hugh Laurie.

The Players are thrilled to have five new-to-our-stage actors as part of this production: Donna Provencher as Elinor Dashwood, Lucia Vico as Marianne Dashwood, Phillip Trieu as Edward Ferrars, Samuel Ellisor as John Willoughby and Clarissa Ramos as Lucy Steele/ Gossip. Rounding out the cast are some of the Players first-rate veterans: Celeste Coburn as Margaret Dashwood/Anne Steele/Gossip last seen in “Cover of Life,” Karin Cunningham as Mrs. Dashwood last seen in Clue, Melinda Ellisor as Fansee ny Dashwood last seen in “Romeo & Juliet,” Danny Mosier as Col. Brandon last seen in The Importance of Being Earnest, Roxanne Strobel as Mrs. Jennings last seen in “Romeo & Juliet,” Greg Dew as Sir John Middleton last seen in “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” and Craig Higdon as John Dashwood last seen in “Born Yesterday.”

Directed by Milton Zoth. Produced by Sharon Crabb. Underwritten by Art and Lisa Valentine “Sense & Sensibility” is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (dramatists.com)

Showing through May 21

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Reserved Seating $22; Students $18 with ID. (Ticket prices include all fees.)

Tickets are available online at wimberleyplayers. org or by calling 512847-0575.

The Wimberley Playhouse is located at 450 Old Kyle Road, Wimberley.

This show is appropriate for all audiences, ages 8 and above.