After over a year of virtual productions, Curtain 440 is pleased to present their first live performance in 2021, Pride and Prejudice! Based on the novel by Jane Austen, this is a faithful retelling of Elizabeth Bennet and her family as they navigate their way through the societal norms of 1813 England. Comedy, romance, snappy retorts, and subtle puns make this Regency-era story a delight to watch.
Pride and Prejudice features over 20 local actors and the production team is led by many familiar Curtain 440 faces. Some of 440’s beloved instructors take to the stage as well in this show, including instructor Kelly Tapager as Elizabeth Bennett and choreographer Erica Lohan as Jane Bennet. “We are all so thrilled to be performing live once again,” says director Angela Miloro-Hansen, “and not having to deal with Zoom screen freezes anymore!” Rehearsals were socially distanced and masked while indoors, and while that was a change from the norm, Miloro-Hansen says everyone was so delighted to be back doing what they love that nothing could deter them.
One of the frequent subjects in Pride and Prejudice focus around family dynamics, and several local families are featured in the production. Sisters Ava and Patsy Brennan and Stehanie and Rachel Surmacz take the stage together, as well as mother/daughter Debbie and Kelly Tapager, who are thrilled to be performing in Ohio again after spending the last six years in California and the UK, respectively. The production team is also headed by a familiar family to 440: Angela Miloro-Hansen as the director, her mother Kelly Miloro as the costumer, and her husband Randy Hansen as the set designer (who also takes to the stage as Mr. Wickham!).
Pride and Prejudice will be presented in two locations. June 4, 5, 6 will be at Century Village at 14653 E Park St in Burton, and June 11,12, and 13 will be at Celebration Lutheran Church at 10621 Auburn Rd in Chardon. All performances will take place outdoors, weather permitting. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Tickets are $15 adult and $12 student and may be purchased at the door or online at www.curtain440.com/tickets
