By Michael Buzzelli
City Theatre takes another trip to Pemberley in “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley,” a sequel to “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” which is itself an unauthorized sequel to Jane Austen’s iconic “Pride & Prejudice.”
While “Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley” is a tale told upstairs in the sitting room, “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley” is the same holiday weekend told in the kitchen. Playwrights Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon are doing a Jane Austen version of “Downton Abbey.”
Full disclosure: I am a Janeite, a die-hard Jane Austen fan. I have read the books and seen the movies and television miniseries. I even have a weird soft spot for Lady Susan Vernon (from an unpublished novella and a film called, “Love and Friendship”).
Cassie (Anna Bakun) is a new maid to the mansion. She has to report to Mrs. Reynolds (Shammen McCune) and work alongside her childhood friend, Brian (Evan Vines), a footman. It’s obvious from his first interaction with her that he’s crushing hard.
The lord and lady of the palatial home, Fitzwilliam (Juan Rivera Lebron) and Elizabeth (Melessie Clark) stop into the kitchen occasionally to make sure everything is going smoothly.
Hint: It’s not.
The rakish, roguish George Wickham (Brett Mack) shows up to retrieve his wife, Lydia (Alex Sheffield, reprising her role from last year’s show). If you’re a fan, you know the sort of trouble he brings. If not, sit back and watch Mack’s George exude evil charm (the actor is brimming with charisma).
Fans familiar with “P & P” know that once George is on the scene, trouble is sure to follow. While being a knowledgeable Austen fan helps, it’s by no means necessary to figure out what’s going on at Pemberley.
Gunderson and Melcon write a redemption arc for the brattiest Bennet, and there is moment near the end of the play that may elicit cheers.
The plot to watch is the slow-burn love story between the maid and the footman.
The character to watch is Mrs. Reynolds.
McCune is glorious as the stoic head of household. Every line is delivered with verve. Much like the ever-present kettle on the stove, Mrs. Reynolds, simmers, boils and even bubbles occasionally. Underneath her character’s hard exterior is a soft center.
Bakun is terrific as the newest member of the Pemberley staff. Vines has an infectious smile. Bukun and Vines have chemistry together. They’re cute and you will want to root for them.
Sheffield’s Lydia shows more emotional depth in this version of the story, and she does a fantastic job.
Clark and Lebron make a marvelous couple, especially as lord and lady of the manor.
Director Kyle Haden directs with sense and sensibility.
Anne Mundell’s set is fantastic, and her projection design adds to the magic of Christmas. She is aided by Carrie Anne Huneycutt’s creative costumes that perfectly fit the scene.
“The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley” is a delightful show filled with Christmas cheer.
Miss Bennett and the Wickhams are part of a trilogy of Christmas at Pemberley stories. Perhaps next year we will be treated with Georgiana and Kitty’s tale.
-MB
“The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley” runs from November 30 until December 22, 2024 at the Pittsburgh City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information, click here.
