The novels by Jane Austen have never been on my bookshelf until now, when I purchased a three-book collection before attending this play. Over the years, I’ve heard the hype and maybe even did read one during high school, but, honestly, I don’t remember.
But when a member of my semi-dormant book club asked about going to the play Sense and Sensibility, of course I replied with an enthusiastic “Yes!” I absolutely love going to live productions, whether it be opera, symphonies or plays. I was 13 on my first trip to Broadway, and I fondly remember so many details of the night, from our trip up to the top of the World Trade Center for an early dinner at Windows on the World, to the yellow taxi ride to the theater and then sitting mesmerized (in the second or third row center) watching Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs performed under the lights. It was life changing.
On this night, the three of us enjoyed a fantastic meal at Sorelle on Broad Street in Charleston before traversing the crowded streets to the Dock Street Theater. It happened to be the first Friday of the month, which is the Charleston Art Walk, so the galleries were open and people were bundled up and walking, some with wine in hand, to enjoy the art and night out.
Our seats were fantastic (thank you Theresa!), third row center. We were close enough to see the actors’ facial expressions clearly and even hear them breathe. The costumes were period appropriate, and the stage and backdrops were fun and well done. But the play itself left us a bit confused.
Fortunately for me, I’d started reading the book last week, so I could follow the first act and into the second (I will finish the book now that I know the ending). But Kristin was lost quite quickly when several actors began playing dual or triple roles. It took me a few minutes to understand the situation, too, even with the costume changes. It was unfortunate that there weren’t enough actors to fill the stage; one matron later in the play was even brought in as a mannequin without a head! Weird. After the intermission, the entire row to my right remained empty…a sad testament to the confusion I believe.
But we stayed until the end, enthusiastically clapping for the actors as they took their bows. Maybe it wasn’t a Broadway-level performance, but I still enjoyed their enthusiasm for their work and art. As I gazed behind me during the final bows, I even saw some patrons offering a standing ovation. And that’s what I love about art. It’s not a one-size-fits-all. Each of us have different preferences and see things through our unique perspectives. Kristin gave it a B-, and Theresa and I agreed, but I still give everyone who performed an A for effort.