Theatre department to stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility”

The Hanover College Theatre will stage a comedic adaptation of famed author Jane Austen’s classic novel “Sense and Sensibility,” Friday-Sunday, Nov. 19-21.

First drafted in the late 1700s, Austen’s novel was originally published in 1811 and has been in continuous publication for more than 200 years. The work has been adapted for stage, film and television numerous times and earned a variety of awards worldwide, including an Academy Award and Screen Actors Guild Award.

Hanover’s staging is version written by Kate Hamill, an actor and playwright who was named the Wall Street Journal’s 2017 playwright of the year and one of the five most-produced playwrights in the U.S. the following year. Hamill’s plays have been produced at venues from coast to coast, including Off-Broadway, American Repertory Theater, Dallas Theater Center, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Seattle Repertory Theatre, among many others.

Hamill’s adaptation again follows the fortunes and misfortunes of the Dashwood sisters – the sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne – after their father’s sudden death leaves the pair financially destitute and socially vulnerable. However, this comedic tale, set in gossip-laden late 18th-century England, examines humanity’s reactions to societal pressures, both reasonable and ridiculous, with a fresh female voice.

Hanover’s presentation of “Sense and Sensibility” will be presented at The Other Place, located between Donner Hall and Ide Hall. The production features an all-student cast and is directed by Jennifer Schmidt, Ph.D., assistant professor of theatre.

The Nov. 19-20 performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. The Nov. 21 presentation will start at 2 p.m. 

Limited seating is available. General admission tickets are free, however, patrons are encouraged to reserve seats online in advance. Tickets may be printed or scanned upon entry from a barcode on a mobile phone.

Note: Face-coverings are required for all in attendance.