Musical version of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” is delightful and captivating

By Camille Bounds

Camille Bounds

Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” was her first novel, and first published work. One of the most prolific writers of her time, (more amazing for a woman of that time,)  her delightful, well developed beautifully written stories gives us a Peeping Tom view of the follies and foibles of the people of that time. Considering she died at the early age of 41 her output of publications was remarkable.

I think Austen would be pleased by the quality of book, music and lyrics are written by  Paul Gordon, a talented man who also used his creativity to  give us the very successful “Pride and Prejudice” in 2019. Artistic Director Robert Kelly’s direction is delicate and as usual flawless. He is a master of his craft. His actors deliver performances that he expands and hones like a master painter.

“Sense and Sensibility” takes place in the early 19th century in England. The story reveals the lives of  two delightful sisters left almost impoverished when their father dies and in-laws nefariously take over the estate and force the young women to find another place to live. They are rescued by a kind, distant relative who offers them a place to live and whose main delight is to keep up with the current gossip and find suitable suitors for her charges. With Austen’s delectable dialogue and Gordon’s ear-pleasing music with interesting plot lines the audience is in for an enjoyable ride.

The ultimate creativity of Joe Ragey’s set designs is a treat for the senses. Each scene is a transition with music before your eyes with the relocating of  the  outside garden with a fence here, a piece of furniture there, sliding on stage or moved into place by servants and maids. The oval frames at the back of the set contain projections that fit the scene at that moment. The effect is fascinating and inventive.

The superb musical direction and  orchestrations by William Liberatore is perfection rounded out with Fumiko Bielefeldt’s costumes that are detailed for the time and place. Steven B. Mannshardt’s  lighting and Jeff Mockus’s sound deliver us to the usual TheatreWorks elegant first-rate production.

For an evening of superb, captivating theatre at its best, the classic story of “Sense and Sensibility” combined with music will delight the hearts of all romantics.

DETAILS

“Sense and Sensibility”
Adapted from the novel by Jane Austen.
With book,  music and lyrics by Paul Gordon.
Directed by Robert Kelly
Where : Lucie Stern Theatre –  1305 Middlefield Road – Palo Alto
Through:  April 3
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes with one intermission
Information: www.theatreworks.org