By Khalida Sarwari
There are numerous screen adaptations and just as many stage versions of “Pride and Prejudice,” not to mention the classic novel itself. But even more than 200 years later, the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy continues to resonate with folks in every form.
Among the biggest fans of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” are Emily Ludwig and Sarah Thermond, who are bringing the beloved story to the stage at Saratoga High School.
A confessed “super nerd” of all adaptations of the novel, Emily, 17, plays protagonist Elizabeth Bennet, the second child in a family of five daughters who deals with issues of upbringing, morality, education and marriage in early 1800s England as she courts and ultimately falls in love with the handsome Mr. Darcy (played by junior J.T. Hulme). What appealed most about the character to her, said Emily, is her relatability.
“I’m kind of seeing myself in her or vice versa,” Emily said. “She’s so flawed [but] she doesn’t realize she’s so flawed. At the same time she’s humble and very witty and very smart.”
Emily, a senior and president of the drama club board this year, is preparing for the role by running through scenes with her mom and closely studying the films and mini-series. She said she plans to portray the character with a dash of sass.
“I find that I have a lot more fun with it when she comes across as sassy,” Emily said. “She’s very sassy, but sweet at the same time.”
Under Thermond’s direction, the drama department is staging an adaptation by Jon Gory that will attempt to cover the story in just two hours by having members of the Bennet family narrate the story to keep the plot moving. Thermond said it was one of three theatrical adaptations she read and ultimately decided was the right one for her students.
“One of my colleagues recommended the script to me, and I realized, ‘Hey, it’s a great work of literature; it has tons of roles. Why not pick it?'” she said.
A cast and crew of about 45–the largest Saratoga High has ever had for a play–has been rehearsing for the show since mid-September; come November, they’ll be ready for the spotlight. Emily promises an unforgettable experience.
“It’s kind of like ‘Pride and Prejudice’ like you’ve never seen before,” she said. “It’s like a contemporary play on a classic novel, which I think is really cool. It’s funny and sweet; it’s just a lot of fun to work on, and I’m happy we chose this adaptation.”
Performances are Nov. 14-15 and 20-21. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of the Sunday (Nov. 15) matinee which is at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for students and seniors and $12 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased at the school office or at the door.
