AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE: Sense & Sensibility and The Moors

Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen

At its heart, Sense and Sensibility is not about romantic love, though it does include swoon-worthy moments, it’s about the love between sisters. As vastly different as they may be, that connection was deeply understood by Jane Austen and was lovingly captured in this story.

Laura Rook is perfect as Elinor; the picture of quiet grace and strength even in the most trying circumstances. Marianne (Samantha Newcomb) is the fire to Rook’s ice and sparkles with passion. Jamal James’ Edward steals all the scenes he’s in. He and Rook have a sweet chemistry that embodies the reserved affection of their characters.

This beautiful adaptation by Jessica Swale fleshes out the scenes between Edward and Elinor. It played up lovely moments of humor and used Margaret as a tool for added interaction between the characters. Director Marti Lyons makes use of every moments. The audience was so swept up that some people were gasping and calling characters names.

The supporting cast is so fun! They’re deliciously snarky, frivolous, and catty and the roles of Fanny Dashwood, Lucy Steele give the actors plenty of chances to make their mark. Willoughby’s transformation from charming lover to desperate cad is powerful. Sarah Day and Brian Mani eat up their roles as the exuberant, nosy Jennings, benefactors of the Dashwood women.

Bottom Line: I’ve always loved Austen’s tale of these diametrically opposed sisters and the way they can teach us about patience and understanding those who see the world differently than we do. This production adds even more humor and joy to the core story. It’s one that should not be missed at APT! 

The Moors by Jen Silverman

Just like Sense and Sensibility, this unconventional play features the story of sisters, but it couldn’t be more different in tone or content. The dark comedy leans heavily on the atmosphere created in the Brontës’ novels. It takes all the basic Gothic tropes and both embraces them and flips them upside down. Tracy Michelle Arnold’s chilling Agatha and Kelsey Brennan’s dotty Huldey are both irresistible.

The set transports you to the misty moors with a few simple shadows and well-placed tufts of grass. The costumes, designed by Mieka van der Ploeg, are an essential piece of the production. The actors don lovely dresses in shades of gray until the new governess (Emilie played by Kayla Carter), pops in with her bright burst of energy and sincere enthusiasm. If pink could be a person, Emilie would be it!

Jim DeVita and Colleen Madden play a dog and a hen. With simple head tilts and bird-like coos or a low, growling rumble the pair are completely convincing. Madden‘s costume is particularly brilliant. Who knew it could be so powerful to hear a dog try to describe feelings of love and loneliness?

Bottom Line: It’s a strange play. Funny, eerie, jarring, and unexpectedly profound. Come for the dog’s love story, stay for the power ballad.  

*My scheduled performance of Love’s Labour’s Lost was canceled because of a thunderstorm. 

Photos Courtesy of American Players Theatre

The American Players Theatre is open until October 9th for its regular season. It will host additional shows in its indoor Touchstone Theatre.

The theater's outdoor seats are comfortable, but definitely bring a jacket, rain parka, blanket, bug spray, or sunblock depending on the weather. The show will go on even if it's chilly or drizzling. There are easily accessible restrooms and concessions at both the Up-the-Hill Theatre and the Touchstone Theatre. There are also picnic tables for those who bring lunch or dinner before a show.

There are plenty of camping/B&B/cabin/hotel options nearby, depending on your preference. You can find additional information about where to lodge, restaurants, and other attractions on APT's website.

For more information about APT and Spring Green, WI visit its website. Spring Green, Wi is only 6.5 hours from Indianapolis and makes a perfect weekend getaway! There are attractions for the entire family in addition to the APT, including the Wisconsin Dells water parks, House on the Rock, Taliesin, and a golf resort.