Pride & Prejudice

Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice
Adapted for the stage by Melissa Leilani Larson

The Grand Theatre | May 16 – June 8, 2024

Playwright Melissa Leilani Larson has adapted this classic story beautifully and alongside director Mark Fossen help bring these characters to life with such brilliant execution. They have shown that their characters are not without flaws and how they strive to overcome them. To put their Pride and Prejudice aside and embrace the gloriously imperfect.

Front Row Reviewers

What I didn’t expect from the show was to have it so fast paced. […] it never felt drawn in the way so many adaptations of regency era pieces do. In addition to being quick paced, it was quick witted. Punchy lines were delivered with characters having strong singular objectives and pursuing them relentlessly. Director Mark Fossen worked with a strong cast to make the story lively and dynamic. I loved the way that characters often entered as they were mentioned to create no dead space. It was a crystal clear cohesion between playwright and theatre makers across the board.

Utah Theatre Bloggers

Full of distinct characters, sparkling wit and timeless romance that has never gone out of print, Jane Austen’s classic comes alive on stage in this crisp adaptation. Almost from their first meeting, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself at odds with the reticent Mr. Darcy. She finds him cold and arrogant while he disapproves of her family and social standing. Despite his pride and her prejudice—or is it her pride and his prejudice?—Elizabeth and Darcy can’t seem to avoid each other’s company. Brought together by a series of events beyond their control, both must reconsider their first impressions. Melissa Leilani Larson’s Pride & Prejudice is a delight for Austen fans and newcomers alike.

I’ve known Melissa Leilani Larson for quite some time now and have had the privilege of collaborating with her on several world premieres of her outstanding original works. Her original characters are multifaceted gems that shine through their language, yet they remain relatable and awkwardly human. When adapting Jane Austen, she applies this approach to iconic characters whom we’ve encountered in prose or on screen. These characters are fresh and relatable, while still faithful to Austen’s groundbreaking novels.

When I saw a production of her adaptation of Pride & Prejudice just over a year ago, I sensed that it would resonate with our Grand audiences. The adaptation is swift, humorous, and romantic, appealing not only to existing fans of the novel and its film versions but also to those encountering the story for the first time. I’m admittedly no Austenite, but this rendition of the story has captivated me like no other and made me see Austen in a whole new light. Whether you’re already familiar with and fond of Pride & Prejudice or not, I hope you’ll relish this tale of people finding their perfect match.