Review: 'The Wickhams Christmas at Pemberley' Revisits Jane Austen

"The Wickhams Christmas at Pemberley" is a followup to Jane Austen's classic novel "Pride and Prejudice" and succeeds at portraying the gap between the upper and lower classes of English society.

Set in 1815, the story focuses on Lydia Wickham (Julia Curtin) who pays a visit to her sister Elizabeth Darcy (Lu Nathan) at the glorious Pemberley estate.

Lydia's good-for-nothing husband George turns up, bleeding and with a torn shirt, and is hidden in the servants' quarters to avoid detection from Fitzwilliam Darcy (Jomo Peters).

A letter to George has been discovered, and Elizabeth decides to conduct an investigation without Lydia finding out.

Another plot involves the Darcys' footman Brian (Mark Roberts) and his infatuation with housemaid Cassie (Sarah Quintiliani).

Cassie is an independent-minded woman who doesn't want her life to revolve around pleasing a man. This is in sharp contrast to Lydia, who plans to run away to Paris with George once the Christmas holiday is over.

Brian and Cassie have to take orders from the imperious Mrs. Reynolds, a stern taskmaster delightfully played by Nancy Winokoor. Winokoor has a way with dialogue, such as when Brian notes Christmas is supposed to make people "merry." "It's supposed to make people busy," Reynolds replies.

The script was written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon and features nice bits of humor, including Fitzwilliam's visceral dislike of raisins in his pudding.

Director Vince Petronio ("Wait Until Dark") does tremendous work with his actors, who all create textured characters. Phoenyx Williams ("Hypeman") exhibits an oily charm as George, who clashes with Fitzwilliam in one memorable scene. George is a man who has committed many misdeeds and has his eye on walking away with a small fortune.

Roberts and Quintiliani are both engaging performers and bring depth and vulnerability to Brian and Cassie. It is clear they are in love and we wait for them to reach that realization.

The set design by Dan Clement and Petronio immerses us into the rarified world of the ultra-wealthy. Matthew Oxley's glorious period costumes are also an asset to this production.

The only weakness is the fact that the story could be taking place at any time of the year. Christmas doesn't have much of an impact on the Wickhams or the Darcys. They are simply too preoccupied with their own drama to give much thought to the holiday.

In spite of that, the show ends on an upbeat note, which will leave audiences feeling cheerful.

The Wickhams Christmas at Pemberley runs through December 11. The Players at Barker Playhouse. 400 Benefit St., Providence, RI. For tickets, call 401-273-0590 or visit playersri.org.