PHOTOS from "Pride & Prejudice: A Comedic Play" at October Ensemble

by John Posada
05/16/2024

(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- October Ensemble is having an incredibly successful year—and it's only May! Following two hit murder mysteries and a story-inspired Broadway cabaret, they produced yet another unique and immersive show to sold out crowds: Pride & Prejudice: A Comedic Play by Kate Hamill. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

The show, held at Fetherman Hall inside the Forked River Presbyterian Church retold the classic Jane Austen tale, but director, Elle River, decided to add an exciting twist: the play would be held in-the-round across five distinctive vignettes immersed between audience tables. Some patrons had up-close views of the drama at Netherfield Park, others were invited directly into the chaotic Bennet’s living room, and everyone was invited to the Bingley’s ball—one of two formal balls—that took place throughout the entire room. The audience became another character in this comedic retelling, drawn into the masterful and emotionally charged performances of Elizabeth Bennet (Melinda Reilly) and Mr. Darcy (Griffin Holland).

Particularly fun were the hilarious antics of the Bennet family. Patriarch Mr. Bennet (Brandon Gulya) and his uproarious wife, Mrs. Bennet (Jennifer Carlisle), always elicited raucous laughs from the audience, and their other three daughters Jane (Meghan Castro), Lydia (Sharyn Freindlich), and the scene-stealing Mary (Lex Goyden; who also played an unforgettable Miss DeBourgh) brough heart and humor to every scene making the Bennet family feel like our own.

Other cast included the villainous Mr. Wickham and flappable Mr. Collins (both played expertly by Dylan Manigian), Lizzy’s no-nonsense best friend, Charlotte Lucas (Miranda Gale), the adorable Mr. Bingley (Anthony Lundy) and ineffable Miss Bingley (Tatiana Cifuentes), and the imposing Lady Catherine deBourgh (Erica Claggett) who swept into the show in Act Two with a tablecloth and a mission: keep Elizabeth Bennet away from Mr. Darcy.

Although, we all know how the story ends.

Laughter filled the room from scene one until the very last line, and audiences enjoyed the Bennet family drama while enjoying complimentary cookies, coffee, and tea in a beautifully decorated hall complete with teacups and flowers to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend.

The show was a roaring success, with multiple sold out showtimes and rave reviews. It was directed by award winning directing team Elle River and Dakota Reider, stage managed by Bliss Rubin, and lighting by John Reilly.

October Ensemble is bringing unique theatre experiences to New Jersey. Founded by Dakota Reider and Elle River, they believe in creating an inclusive and diverse culture where ART is WORK. Everyone who works with October Ensemble is paid for their time and talents.

Here are more photos from the production.

The production team at October Ensemble never seems to rest and they are already jumping into rehearsals for their next show, The Trail to Oregon from June 21-29 at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove. Like their previous shows, this musical parody of the hit video game includes interactive elements for an immersive experience. Audiences get to select the names of the main characters (just like the game) and influence the ending! Prop bags are offered for further interaction with the show which is rated R for hilarious but extremely adult-themed language and content. It’s BYOB so bring your friends, but leave the kids at home. (Children under 14 years will not be permitted.)

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.