A Blast from the Fast—A Review of Instant Austen: Jane Austen at Warp Speed

by Joseph Szalinski

Back in my day, if we didn’t want to read a book for school, we’d rely on Cliffnotes or Sparknotes. Sure, we wouldn’t really get smarter, but we wouldn’t get any dumber. Nowadays, kids are too dependent on ChatGPT. Not only do they get all of their information this way, but they shrink their hippocampi in the process. Thankfully, there’s a more entertaining, and intellectually stimulating, alternative for folks who haven’t gotten around to dusting off their copies of Pride and Prejudice or Emma—Community Theatre Player’s latest production, Instant Austen: Jane Austen at Warp Speed, directed by Mace Porac and produced by Hannah Dearborn, now running at Community Presbyterian Church in Ben Avon, PA.

Written by multimodal scribe, Treanor Baring, Instant Austen cobbles together six of Jane’s novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion. Envisioned initially for middle and high school classrooms, this show proves it has something for everyone, whether that be a clever reference, cheeky commentary, or just general silliness. While most of the novels are presented as tiny scenes akin to short plays or skits with overlapping jokes, the last two go for something really unique that’s sure to delight even the most ardent curmudgeon. Engaging and riddled with humor that lands nicely with audiences, this production is a perfect way to celebrate Austen’s 250^th birthday. She doesn’t look a day over forty-one.

The cast does a splendid job despite the dizzying feat of changing characters as constantly as they do. To make things even more confusing, a few cast members trade roles on certain nights, which makes what they do even more incredible. Their commitment to the accents, slightly varying them with each successive role; their good chemistry in group scenes, as well as everyone excelling in their moments to shine; the ample opportunity for playful physicality, which serves as a testament to the energetic and fun edge this ensemble brings to the stage; the performers really put their hard work on display. Not to mention, the fact that they don’t spend too much time getting ready during blackouts between scenes also speaks to their adeptness. Great job to Alexa Burak, Samantha Carpin, Frederick Coleman, Mary-Cait Cox, Ashley Dugan, Chris Duvall, Phil Hayes, Mace Porac, Heather Johnson Smith, and Mary Witul.

Less dependent on technical elements than other productions, this show uses them sparingly and to significant effect. Costumes stand out the most, as they not only help set the time periods and make the world(s) more immersive, but they are also helpful for establishing and distinguishing characters. Sound effects and lighting, by Jeff Cieslak and Patrick Trimble, are another ingenious technical element, typically used when someone needs to ride a horse or ride in a barouche. Ewww. As far as props go, they are seldom used, generally reserved for a goofy character or to stand in for a character altogether, whether it’s dolls or even a chair. Aside from a couch and a seat for The Narrator, the “character” is one of the few pieces of furniture on this simple set designed by director Mace Porac and actor Mary Witul, the same duo responsible for the program.

The Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon is a marvelous venue for theatre. Located on Church Avenue (what a coincidence) in the sleepy neighborhood of Ben Avon, this building has housed some tremendous talent. Even those who believe in the separation of “Church and Stage” must recognize how cool it is for art and live performances to have another home in the North Boros. The site of dozens of fantastic productions, the church is a cultural hub that hopefully lasts well into the future, and that’s not just because the parking is decent.

Community Theatre Players is a wonderful organization that has been putting on incredible shows for over 35 years. Whether they’re taking a risk on something new and different or putting a signature spin on a classic, they’re guaranteed to wow audiences with every performance. From the close involvement of the board, to the capable casts and crews that make theatrical magic, to the belief that the local sponsors have in them, it goes to show how special art is to our various communities in and around this wonderful city.

-JS

“Instant Austen: Jane Austen” at Warp Speed continues its run on Oct 24^th and Oct 25^th  at Community Presbyterian Church in Ben Avon, PA.