ACT of Connecticut announces their next production, Austen's Pride, a new musical of Pride and Prejudice
ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut is excited to announce the next show in its inaugural season, AUSTEN’S PRIDE, a new musical of Pride and Prejudice, playing March 28-April 14, 2019.
Inspired by Jane Austen’s masterpiece “Pride and Prejudice”, AUSTEN’S PRIDE springs to life as Jane Austen transforms an earlier draft of her novel into a beloved classic. As the compelling love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy unfolds, Jane Austen learns to see both the story and herself in a new light. Director Igor Goldin says of this unique classic-novel retelling; “I've always been a fan of Jane Austen, and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in particular. AUSTEN'S PRIDE tells that classic story in a fresh and unexpected way.”
With book, music and lyrics by Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs, AUSTEN’S PRIDE is a Connecticut premiere, offering the ACT patrons “a wonderful opportunity to be the first local audience to lay eyes and ears on this glorious new musical”, states Katie Diamond, Executive Director of ACT of CT.
ACT’s Artistic Director, Daniel C. Levine says, “It is exciting and important for ACT to present and produce new musicals. The Broadway titles that we all know and love often begin their lives at regional theaters like ACT. Being able to collaborate with the AUSTEN’S PRIDE creative team is thrilling. This is one special show!”.
AUSTEN’S PRIDE stars Caitlyn Caughell as Jane Austen, Ryan Jesse as Fitzwilliam Darcy and Judith Franklin as Elizabeth Bennet. The cast also includes Joseph Allen, Reggie Bromell, Kelley Davies, Katie Dixon, Jordan Dobson, Briana Gantsweg, Caroline Innerbichler, Kristin Rose Kelleher, Kevyn Morrow, Manna Nichols, Eric Michael Parker, Michele Ragusa, Brandon Keith Rogers, Lucas Thompson, and Jonathan Young.
The AUSTEN’S PRIDE creative team includes: Direction by Igor Goldin, Music Supervision/Direction by Kevin Stites, Choreography by Andrew Palermo, Set Design by Josh Zangen, Costume Design by Amy Clark, Lighting Design by Jason Lyons, Sound Design by Joanna Lynne Staub, Casting by Wojcik/Seay Casting, and Production Stage Manager - Kelly Cole.
Austen’s Pride was presented in 2011 by the New York Musical Theatre Festival (Isaac Hurwitz, Executive Director & Producer) as a selection of their Next Link Project; in 2015 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, Tom McCoy, McCoy Rigby Entertainment, Executive Producers; in June 2016, at the Callahan Theatre in Rochester, NY by the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival, Brett Smock, Producing Artistic Director.
About ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut
ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Equity theatre located in Ridgefield, CT. Founded and led by Katie Diamond, Daniel C. Levine, and Bryan Perri, ACT of CT presents limited engagement runs of well-known Broadway musicals and plays, as well as world-premiere productions by the next generation of writers and composers. ACT of CT was honored with 11 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards in 2018-2019, its inaugural season. The theatre company produces three shows per season, including one show in the “Presenting Stephen Schwartz!” series (honoring ACT Artistic Advisor, Stephen Schwartz). All shows feature both Broadway stars and local Fairfield and Westchester County talent. In addition to fully produced main stage productions, ACT of CT hosts a New Works Series, The Broadway Unplugged Series, youth education classes, masterclasses, camps, workshops, and a conservatory program for high school students. ACT of CT is located at 36 Old Quarry Road, in the beautiful village of Ridgefield, CT. Visit actofct.org for further information.