“Not Your Grandmother’s Jane Austen…”

Bold, surprising, boisterous, and timely, this Pride and Prejudice for a new era explores the absurdities and thrills of finding your perfect (or imperfect) match in life.

The outspoken Lizzy Bennet is determined to never marry, despite mounting pressure from society. But can she resist love, especially when that vaguely handsome, mildly amusing, and impossibly aggravating Mr. Darcy keeps popping up at every turn?!

Literature’s greatest tale of latent love has never felt so theatrical than it does in this effervescent new adaptation. Playwright Kate Hamill injects hilarious new life into this classic love story with a decidedly progressive take on the trials and travails of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy and (of course) the Bennet clan, Mr. Collins, Mr. Wickham, and more. But not to worry, empire waists and lavish Regency-era attire still abound in this familiar yet surprisingly modern adaptation.

Don’t miss this fun and fresh new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, on stage Friday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m. at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord.)

Director Vicky Sandin (Odd Couple – Female Version, Bakersfield Mist) brings this delicious new adaptation to life with an exciting cast led by Julia Kehr (Lizzy) and Travis Laughlin (Darcy). Seth Bunke plays Wickham, Steven Post is Mr. Collins and Elaine St. Jean appears as Lady Catherine. The Bennett sisters, Jane, Lydia and Mary are performed by Alaina Oropollo, Tapley Trudell and Patrick McGranaghan (who also plays Bingley.) Valerie Kdonian Kehr and Dana Sackos are the long-suffering Mrs. and Mr. Bennett. Hannah Heckman-McKenna, Corinne Stanley, Suzanne Watts and Daphne Lessard complete the cast as Miss Bingley, Charlotte, servant, and Miss Anne de Bourgh.

Production staff for the Community Players’ comedy include stage manager Val Wisneski, choreographer Beth Fenske, set designer Paul Sandin, costume designer Betsey Martel and properties by Linda Chadbourne and Jazmine Jade. Ron Bryson will supervise lighting, Emma Richardson the sound, Heather Maconaghy is musical accompanist and Wayland Bunnell, diction coach. Producing team for this spring show includes Jim Webber, Allwynne Fine, Sally Kelly and Donna Julian.

Tickets are now on sale online communityplayersofconcord.org. The box office opens 90 minutes before each show. Tickets and information are also available by calling (603) 344-4747. Adults $20 / Juniors-Seniors $18.

The Community Players of Concord’s 96th season presenting sponsor is Merrimack County Saving Bank. Pride and Prejudice show sponsor is Texas Roadhouse, now open at 317 Loudon Road in Concord.

If you’d like to get involved with the Community Players of Concord, please go to communityplayersofconcord.org, which also includes information about the Children’s Theatre Project.