“Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley ” reviewed by Franci D. Henderson

[rating=5] Every performance at the Center for Performing Arts in Skokie is a wonderful, enriching experience. This performance of “Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley” was no exception. Although I’ve attended shows in the larger space, this was my first experience watching a show in the smaller Northlight Theater. The space is much more intimate, with a “thrust stage” – a stage that extends into the auditorium so that the audience is seated around three sides. “Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley” is the third and final installment of Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon’s trilogy which follows some of the most beloved characters from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”

This installment tells the story of Georgiana Darcy (Janyce Caraballo), the younger sister of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, and Kitty Bennet (Samantha Newcomb), the younger sister of Mr. Darcy’s wife Elizabeth, and takes place 2 years after the original story. Georgiana and Kitty have become best friends while living in London. They are the perfect pairing for each other. Georgiana is a gifted pianist whose greatest desire is to pursue her art, and Kitty is optimistic, full of fresh, exciting ideas and ready for adventures: romantic and otherwise.

Besides Georgiana and Kitty, the cast of the play includes many of the other beloved characters from the original story including Mr. Darcy (Yousof Sultani), Elizabeth Darcy (Amanda Drinkall), Jane Bingley (Emma Jo Boyden), Mary Bennet (Andrea San Miguel), Lydia Wickham (Preeti Thaker), Mr. Henry Gray (Erik Hellman) and Mr. Thomas O’Brien (Nate Santana).

The story begins at Pemberley where the siblings have gathered to celebrate Christmas. Unbeknownst to her brother, Georgiana has been corresponding with a young man named Henry Gray. The two have bonded over music, and Georgiana has invited him and his friend Thomas to visit Pemberley. When he finds out, Darcy is of course outraged, and much comedy ensues. The comedic prowess of the characters was a pleasant surprise: especially outspoken Mary, who has come into herself (but continues to be somewhat awkward), and Lydia, who hasn’t changed at all (and continues to be self-centered though in a much more loveable way). All goes astray when Lydia discovers a letter, the contents of which shed light on the fortunes of poor Mr. Gray. The first act ends with Georgiana declaring that she is tired of her brother trying to protect her and that she wants to live her own life and make her own decisions.

The second act takes place some years later in London. Georgiana and Kitty are about to unveil a new society for women musicians, and the family is attending to (in most cases) support them in their new venture. While the comedic interplay between characters continues, there is also a more serious voice coming through loud and clear. Women of this era had few rights, and the ability to pursue their dreams was impossible for most. Georgiana and Kitty struggled against the odds to achieve theirs and achieve it they did!

Other highlights of the show were the beautiful costumes designed by Raquel Adorno, and an amazing set designed by Richard and Jacqueline Penrod. The play was directed by Marti Lyons, who went to high school and participated in many theatrical productions with my daughter. While I didn’t have the opportunity to see Marti and congratulate her, I did find her work outstanding.

“Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley” will be presented at the Northlight Theater through December 24, 2022.

The theater is located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie.

Ticket prices range from $30-89.
Student tickets, when available are $15.

Performance schedule:

Wednesdays – 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays – 7:30 p.m.
Fridays – 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays – 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sundays – 2:30 p.m.

————————-Additional performance: Friday, December 23rd – 2:30 p.m.
No 8:00 p.m. performance on Saturday, December 24th, Christmas Eve.

There will be a post-show discussion after the 1:00 p.m. performance on Wednesday, December 7th and after the 7:30 p.m. performance on Thursday, December 22nd.

Tickets can be purchased at the theater, by calling 847-673-6300 or at https://northlight.org/events/georgiana-kitty-christmas-at-pemberly/.

For general information about the Northlight Theater and to learn about some of their other offerings, see https://northlight.org/.

COVID protocols are still in effect and may change at any moment.
For the duration of “Georgiana & Kitty”, guests in Rows A and B are required to properly wear a mask throughout the performance. Masks are encouraged but not required for the remainder of the theatre (Rows C-K). Please go to: https://northlight.org/health-safety/ for more information.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberly”.