Taylor Theatre is excited to announce its upcoming production of Sense and Sensibility, the beloved Jane Austen classic. The production will run from February 20-23 at Taylor University’s Mitchell Theatre. View showtimes and purchase tickets here.
Adapted by acclaimed playwright Kate Hamill, this production brings a fresh perspective to the timeless story of the Dashwood sisters while realizing the visions of an all-female team of alumnae from the Taylor University theatre program.
Hamill’s vibrant and witty take on Austen’s novel explores the contrasting personalities of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate love, loss, and societal expectations. With a dynamic mix of humor, emotion, and insight into the human experience, this production will captivate audiences and bring a new depth to the classic tale.
Hannah Wylie who portrays Marianne reflected, "It has been an incredibly collaborative process, and I have loved working with our creative team of all-female Taylor graduates to bring to life a truly unique Sense and Sensibility.”
The entire creative team are proud alumnae of Taylor University’s theatre program. This collaboration highlights the exceptional skill and leadership of female voices within the performing arts, as well as their dedication to bringing diverse perspectives and fresh approaches to classic stories.
Though the characters of Elinor and Marianne wrestle with a loss of agency and voice in the story, all of the women working on this production have had an opportunity to contribute their voices and vision to tell this classic story.
Director Christina Howard reflected, “Kate Hamill (the playwright) has spoken about her intention of writing to tell women's stories and creating spaces for women to perform. An entirely female creative team seemed like the most appropriate way to create the production.”
The creative team includes Christina Howard (Goggin ‘14) as Director; Lindsay Rice (‘22) as Assistant to the Director and Dramaturg; Emma Reagan (‘Dahlquist ‘22) as Scenic Designer; Claire Vock (‘23) as Costume Designer and Choreographer; Molly Lemont (‘24) as Lighting Designer; and Eleana Jenkins (Manning ‘24) as Hair and Makeup Designer.
This cast of ten actors features both familiar and new faces. With senior Ris Bland as the sensible Elinor Dashwood and junior Hannah Wylie as the impassioned Marianne Dashwood, Taylor Theatre's production promises a dynamic and compelling portrayal of Austen's beloved sisters, exploring the contrast between reason and emotion.
The ensemble, who shift into multiple roles throughout the production, includes Jack Anderson, Grace Bradshaw, Cailin Callahan, TJ Fausnight, Selah Grannis, Milo Guevara, Gavin Kastner, and Caroline Stone.