Pride and Prejudice set to open at The City Auditorium

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. (WRCO / WRCE) – The Community Players’ presentation of “Pride and Prejudice” will open this weekend in the Richland Center City Auditorium.

It is based on Jane Austen’s most popular and well-known book, telling the story of the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.  In addition to the romance, it is celebrated for its social commentary on the times and witty writing.

Born in Steventon, U.K., on December 16, 1775, into a family of one older sister and six brothers, life challenged her from the beginning. In an age where daughters were a burden to be married to the wealthiest available male, Jane was fortunate to have brothers to rely on.

In fact, Jane and her sister attended boarding school until age 12 so she was fairly well educated for the time.  Jane never married. She wanted more time to dedicate herself to her writing career. Jane died at age 41, and her novels gained more popularity after her death.

Allicia Woodhouse has enjoyed theater as an audience member for as long as she can remember.

She followed her children to tread the boards several years ago as Julie in “Show Boat” and has played several roles since at the Coppertop Theater and with Southwestern Community Players. One of her favorite roles was when she played the White Witch in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” Allicia enjoys cooking, gardening, and many other outdoor activities.

When the Community Players’ production of “Pride and Prejudice” hits the stage this weekend, the cast will include Jean Birkett. Jean, a long-time theatre professor at UW-Richland, is still going strong at age 98. And this will complete a full circle for her, as the first show she ever directed at the campus was “Pride and Prejudice.”

When asked what possessed her to try out, Jean said, “For the love of ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ I used to teach the novel and I love Jane Austen. I love her satire and the characters. The book’s got everything in it.”

Jean is sharing the role of “Lady Catherine” in the show with Sharon Zales, who has also been involved in theatre for many years. Sharon recalls being in shows at the campus with long-time theatre professor Zoie Eva Lutz, starting with “The Bacchae” in 1992. From there, she also began appearing in Community Players shows after that group re-formed in 2000. Which was her first CP show? “I’ve been in so many shows now it’s hard to remember whose shows were whose.”

*Above Bios provided by: Community Players of Southwest Wisconsin

Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” will be presented Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children.  All shows will be at the Richland Center City Auditorium.

The show will also be presented on Oct. 11 through Sunday, Oct. 19. at the same times.

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