Theater Review: ‘Prejudice & Pride’

A modern twist on a classic

Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is turned on its head in "Prejudice and Pride," starring Bridget Casad and Sam Wright. Brian Paulette

NEW YORK—Jane Austen’s 1813 novel “Pride and Prejudice” examines societal hierarchy and the dangers of letting the importance of self-image interfere with matters of the heart. Sam Wright and Nicholas Collett have taken that material and shaped it into a delightful folk musical called “Prejudice & Pride.”

Set in the present day and infused with topical references (including more than a few swipes at the health care system), down-home quips and a few Austen-related mentions, the show is now having its New York premiere.

‘Prejudice & Pride’

The Longborn clan of Longborn Hollow, Tennessee, is in financial straits. Papa and Mama Longborn (Tim Ahlenius and Margaret Shelby respectively), and their adult sons Jake (PT Mahoney), Bennett (Wright), and Lyle (Chris Owen) all face eviction from the family farm. This is thanks to the late Granny Longborn, who deeded the property to televangelist Rev. Willamina Cole (Franci Talamantez-Witte) before she passed. Papa figures the family’s only hope is if one of their sons marries a rich woman.