TheatreWorks Silicon Valley continues to reinvent the classic stories of Jane Austen with “Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley,” scheduled to run today through Dec. 28 in Palo Alto.
Giovanna Sardelli directs the play, written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon.
TheatreWorks last year staged “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” and is now returning to the Regency Era for another production in the “Christmas at Pemberley” series by Gunderson and Melcon.
“Georgiana and Kitty” spotlights characters that are often overshadowed by their siblings in the original novel, including Mr. Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, and one of the Bennet sisters, Kitty.
Sardelli said she is excited about delivering the different aspects of the Regency Era while also uplifting women’s voices.
“It is set in the Regency Era; the clothing and the set are period-appropriate, period-perfect and actually stunningly gorgeous,” Sardelli said. “The modern sensibility comes from these two playwrights who love powerful women, giving them voice and ambition and daring and desire.”
Sardelli added that she is glad to work with Kushi Beauchamp and Emily Ota, who play Kitty Bennet and Georgiana Darcy, respectively.
Beauchamp said she has observed how Kitty grows as an advocate throughout the story.
“Kitty is really progressive,” Beauchamp said. “She’s a staunch advocate for women’s rights and for the women in her life.”
Beauchamp also said she believes different age groups can learn valuable lessons from Kitty’s growth.
“People can take away being bold and brave and using their energy to dream about how they can make things better,” Beauchamp said.
Sardelli said “Georgiana and Kitty” is a show suitable for families and a perfect production to watch during the holidays.
“There’s so much for families to talk about; the fun of it, the love, the music and the intergenerational conversations it sparks,” Sardelli said.
“Georgiana and Kitty” previews at 7:30 p.m. today and Thursday, and 8 p.m. Friday. The play opens at 8 p.m. Saturday. Future shows are set for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Tickets are $34-$115. For tickets, visit theatreworks.org.
