The Connection

Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” is Chantilly High’s upcoming play and Cappies show. It’s set for Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 1-4, at 7 p.m. in the school theater. Tickets are $12, adults; and $10, students; at the door or via www.chantillyhsdrama.com.

In the late 19th century, outside London, Mrs. Bennet wants to marry off her three daughters, and the play explores their relationships. However, daughter Elizabeth, who believes she’ll never find love, must overcome her prejudice that she’s better than any man.

With a crew of 40 and 35 actors in each show, the play is double cast because Director Shannon Khatcheressian had a surplus of female talent. “The show’s so beautifully written and such a classic novel with a timeless love story, that we wanted to do it justice,” she said. “And coincidentally, it’s also this novel’s 200th anniversary.”

“The cast is wonderfully diverse and dedicated to these characters, and it’s great to see these kids bring them to life,” said Khatcheressian. “It’s also fun to direct this show because we take pride in portraying this story correctly and making it enjoyable for the whole audience. It’s a romantic comedy, and we really heightened the show’s comedic elements.”

A 20-student, costume team is making most of the outfits, and costume liaison Katie Nelson has been “instrumental in the design and creation of these original pieces,” said Khatcheressian. “The costumes are absolutely gorgeous.”

The scenes take place in three homes, including the Bennets’ and Lady Catherine’s, plus a grand ballroom. “We’ve tried to capture the grandeur of the homes of high society in 1810 England, and we’re thrilled with our period-style furniture portraying that,” said Khatcheressian. As for the story, she said, “Everyone will find a character to relate to and realize that the experiences we go through with our own families are timeless. It’s the same story, but a different day.”

Playing Elizabeth is senior Christine Moon. “Elizabeth is a woman ahead of her time,” said Moon. “She educated herself, which wasn’t common in that era. She’s also witty and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and her loved ones. And she loves her parents and sisters dearly and is passionate about keeping her family together. She’s quick-thinking, knows what to say and when to say it and is decisive. She can be judgmental, but can also see through people – and she isn’t desperate to get married.”

It’s a difficult role, said Moon, because “Elizabeth is a complicated woman with a lot of feelings – especially when she meets he man she’ll eventually fall in love with, Mr. Darcy. But I also identify with her, in a way; we don’t think men are that important in our lives. And I like playing her because she’s willing to stand up for what he believes in. So it’s the most challenging thing I’ve done, but definitely the most rewarding.”

Moon said audiences will appreciate the cast’s ethnic and racial diversity, plus the show’s interesting characters, especially Mrs. Bennet. “She’s so hysterical, it’s hard to keep a straight face when she’s on the stage,” said Moon. “She butts heads with Lady Catherine, the epitome of the upper class. And all the characters always have something witty, catty or shady to say, and it’ll make the audience laugh.”

Sophomore Alex Yee portrays Mr. Darcy. “Similar to Elizabeth, he believes that, since he’s richer and more influential than others, he’s better than them,” said Yee. “He’s a jerk, but he cares deeply for his close family and friends. It’s a challenge because he’s so different from me. He’s stoic, but has lots of emotion within him, so I have to show the internal struggle between his pride and his feelings for Elizabeth.”

Calling it a “big honor” to play this role as a sophomore, Yee said, “I’m playing Darcy a little less reserved than in the Colin Firth movie version.” He said the audience will really like the interaction between Mrs. Bennet and her daughters, “especially Lydia, who’s very funny and a little bit of a brat. But it’s balanced by the sweeter Jane and by Elizabeth – who’s stronger and goes against the social grain – which women didn’t do back then.”

Playing Darcy’s aunt, Lady Catherine, is senior Emily Fareid. “She’s very wealthy and proud and looks down on anyone who isn’t wealthy like her – and even people who are,” said Fareid. “She’s Elizabeth’s antagonist and opposite and represents society’s upper class, and she believes people should follow society’s rules.”

Fareid likes playing her because “she’s kind of mean and so different from how I usually behave. She’s judgmental, and it’s fun to act that way without worrying about what anyone else thinks.” She describes the show as “funny and sassy, with a great set and costumes and humorous characters.”

Senior Emily Draut portrays Mrs. Bennet. “She’s a little hysterical,” said Draut. “Her main goal is to get her daughters married and secure. Her family’s middle class, and she always tries to befriend people in the upper class. She’s kind, but doesn’t always sound that way. Even though she might seem shallow, she really loves her daughters and husband and has good intentions, although she doesn’t always show it in her actions.”

Draut enjoys her role because “I can exaggerate everything, be loud and silly and just have fun.” She called the costumes “sweet and beautiful” and said audiences will like the show’s unexpected twists and love triangles they won’t expect to come together. And it’s a nice break from modern day.”

Playing Mr. Bennet is senior Zaid Al Nouman. “He’s sometimes frustrated by his family, but he always loves and wants the best for them,” said Al Nouman. “He’s not as frantic as his wife; he’s more confident that everything will work out in the end. His favorite daughter is Lizzie [Elizabeth], and he’s there for her when she needs him and is compassionate whenever she’s distressed. He’s a calm and caring family man.”

Al Nouman said Bennet is more realistic than roles he’s done in children’s plays and “It’s cool being the calm, collected one, this time, and he grows through a variety of human emotions.” As for the audience, Al Nouman said people will like “the comedic moments sprinkled throughout the show. And adults will relate to the parents, while teens relate to the daughters and their suitors.”