November 8, 2016 | Feature Features National
What was the genesis behind this world-premiere production?
It’s a play by Margot Melcon and Lauren Gunderson. Northlight’s artistic director, BJ Jones, gave me the script, and I was very intrigued and delighted by it. I loved the idea of kind of a feminist dialogue with Pride and Prejudice, and the idea of Mary Bennet getting her own story.
What can Austen fanatics expect?
It’s a Christmas play. I’m an Austen fan, and this is in no way a serious sequel to Pride and Prejudice. It’s a delightful celebration of the characters we love. It asks the question, ‘What would be possible for these characters if we were to spend a little more time with them?’ There’s a very humorous wink in it. The playwrights are Austen fans, just like the rest of us!
What’s your personal connection to the holiday season?
I love holidays. I grew up in different countries around the world, so it was always a big deal in my family, the transformation of space for the spirit of the holidays. That’s always been moving and exciting to me. I’m delighted by the opportunity to create a play about peace within a family and the possibility for a character to move forward in unexpected and delightful ways. Nov. 10–Dec. 18, tickets $15-$70, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 847.673.6300, northlight.org
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