Two sisters, one walking in the woods, sprains her ankle. She is rescued by a rapscallion who gives speeches about art and music and poetry. Her sister cautions her about getting too caught up with this mysterious stranger, but she falls for him like a ton of bricks.
If it sounds like the latest romance novel on the bestseller charts, it should, because Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" is a romance novel in its truest form.
And the Milwaukee Rep will open a production of this wonderful, funny and touching story Dec. 14, with a run until Jan 13.
Lucky holiday playgoers will be able to watch two of The Rep's favorite associate artists – Jonathan Gillard Daly and Laura Gordon – in the production, along with a wide swath of newcomers to The Rep.
Art Manke, a director with a long list of impressive credits, is directing, and the period costumes have been designed by Angela Balogh Calin, who has designed all over the country.
"Sense and Sensibility" is my favorite of Jane Austen's wonderful works," says Artistic Director Mark Clements.
"I love the relationship between the two sisters – their contrasts, their journeys, their growth throughout – and how this 200-year-old story still resonates. We all fall in love, we all have our hearts broken, we all go through periods where our lives are suddenly turned upside-down, and Austen's beautiful prose manages to get right to the heart of those moments and makes us feel and say 'Wow, I know that, I felt that, I understand that.'"
Ticket information is available online, or at the box office at (414) 224-9490.
With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.
He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.
This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.
Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.
