The County Community Players will begin their 2025 season with four spring performances of playwright Kate Hamill’s adaptation of the classic love story “Pride & Prejudice.”
Based on English author Jane Austen’s 1811 novel, Hamill’s version of the romance between fiercely independent Elizabeth “Lizzie” Bennett and aloof, well-to-do Mr. Darcy brings more humor to the complicated relationship than Austen’s written word and Hollywood’s film adaptations.
“There are less sultry looks and more rolling on the floor,” director Annelise Wardwell said. “There’s a lot of innuendo.”
A theater major, Wardwell and fellow Community Players board members have focused on rebuilding interest in the group after a forced extended break during the COVID pandemic. “Pride & Prejudice” is Wardwell’s fifth turn at directing since the return. 2025 marks the Players’ 36th year in existence.
It is important for the Players to maintain their diligence in sustaining Aroostook County’s theater exposure, said board chairman and play producer Meg Hegemann.
“The County has a great tradition of live theater,” Hegemann said. “The Players are honored to keep that tradition alive and move it forward.”
The cast features many veteran Players members, along with actors making their debut with the group, including University of Maine at Presque Isle art student Will Williams as Mr. Darcy.
“It’s my first time doing theater as a big boy,” Williams quipped about his past acting experience. “I’m enjoying it. I love the cast.”
Hegemann is pleased to see new talent joining the group.
“Every production, we welcome new people into the experience of live theater. It’s a real strong suit for the Players,” Hegemann stated.
(Courtesy of Meg Hegemann)
The melding of experienced and new members appears to be working for the production. Stage manager Parker Smith, who has worked on every Players production since last spring’s successful run of Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias,” is enjoying the process and is optimistic about the show’s success.
“We’re very organized,” Smith stated. “The cast has great chemistry.”
While Hamill’s version of the story does carry a more humorous tone, Smith feels the heart of the tale is not lost.
“It’s funny, clearly a comedy. But it’s still touching. It really leans into the love story,” Smith said
“It’s very Lizzie centric,” Wardwell said. “Lizzie doesn’t leave the stage.”
Dani Haskell, who has appeared in previous Player productions and directed last year’s musical “Ride the Cyclone” for the group, is playing Lizzie. Lizzie’s independence is her favorite part of her character, according to Haskell.
“She’s so sarcastic. Not all proper. She has lots of personality and is very much herself,” Haskell said.
Hamill loosens Austen’s historical tale of finding love whether you want to or not with campy humor and modern touches, Hegemann said. A variety of theater critics have described Hamill’s work as “ingenious,” “inventive,” and “dauntless.” Accolades for her version of “Pride & Prejudice” include a nomination for an Off Broadway Alliance Award, a Wall Street Journal Critic’s Pick, and it was voted Best Theater of 2017 by the Huffington Post.
The Community Players will present “Pride & Prejudice” at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, and on Friday, April 25, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Shows will be held at the Gauvin Family Center for Cultural Arts on the UMPI campus.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children, and are available online at TheCountyPlayers.org, at Goin’ Postal in Presque Isle, United Insurance Gallagher Agency in Caribou, or at the door.
Anyone who wishes to become a sponsor for the Players 2025 season, which will include the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” in the fall and a traveling holiday production, may visit the Players website for details.For information on how to join the Players,y email: TheCountyPlayers@gmail.com.
