Having returned to OC from two weeks out of town, I’m pleased to report South Coast Repertory has opened their 2011-2012 season with a one-two punch: a superb adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” (which closes Oct. 9) and the world premiere of a compelling play about the teaching of evolution by Catherine Treischmann (which runs through Oct. 16).
From director Kyle Donnelly’s stylish staging (beginning with a clever framing device that never intrudes) to Kate Edmunds’ scenic design and Lap Chi Chu’s lighting, the presentation of Austen’s classic romantic drama is simply stellar. Dana Green and Corey Brill head a first-rate ensemble, with Jane Carr (as Mrs. Bennet) giving a performance worthy of a Tony Award. In short, it may be the best production I’ve ever seen at SCR.
Treischmann’s “How the World Began” inevitably brings to mind Lawrence and Lee’s “Inherit the Wind.” It’s hardly the epic drama that masterwork about the 1925 Scopes “monkey trial” is, but doesn’t try to be. “World” is a more intimate, present-day take on the still-controversial conundrum of how to approach the topic of creationism in public schools, a thought-provoking three-character play that pits a biology teacher against a devout student and his parental guardian.
Sarah Rafferty’s well-meaning Ms. Pierce is no match for the lively, inquisitive mind of Jarret Sleeper’s Micah; the actors, however, are flawlessly matched sparring partners in this schoolroom battle of wits. Time Winters’ canny Mr. Dinkel, the boy’s guardian, adds contrast and flavor to the clash of ideologies. Daniella Topol’s attentive direction makes the most of Treischmann’s script. Call 714-708-5555 to tix.
More from Jordan:
San Francisco Ballet’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ opens in Costa Mesa
Holcroft’s ‘Cockroach,’ Marlowe’s ‘Dr. Faustus’ in Fullerton
Samuel Beckett doc on DVD, Glenn Gould doc on Blu-ray & DVD
‘Bakersfield Mist’ at Fountain (now extended to 12/18)
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