Celebrate the Holidays at Pemberley Estate

Fans of British literature, period dramas, and rom-coms are undoubtedly familiar with Elizabeth Bennet, the sharptongued second daughter of a family who lives at the Pemberley estate in 19th-century England. We are likely to know Jane, the beautiful eldest daughter who falls in love with Mr. Bingley, and maybe even Kitty, the fourth daughter whose obsession with soldiers leads her family to trouble and heightens the plot of Jane Austen’s classic, “Pride and Prejudice.”

But it’s unlikely even the most devout Austen fans have much to say about Mary, the middle daughter whose focus is on books and piano – until now.

This Christmas, anyone searching for a fresh point of view on the goings-on at Pemberley, or just a cheerful place to celebrate the holidays, can join Mary in “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” at Pentacle Theater.

Director Jennifer Gimzewski hopes audiences find warmth and kindness in the play, as that’s what drew her to it before she presented it to Pentacle’s script reading committee.

Set two years after Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy get married, the family returns to Pemberley for Christmas. Given her temperament and bookishness, Mary is assumed to become an old maid who will take care of her aging parents. But Mary comes into her own in this story.

Not unlike Pride and Prejudice, it’s a play about strong women. And about a family who overcomes their differences because of their love for each other. And, of course, it wouldn’t be an Austeninspired story if it didn’t involve love.

Pentacle auditions were held in September. A director’s most anxious thought, Jennifer said, is finding the right cast, but in Miss Bennet, “they are all so perfect for their roles.”

In terms of costumes and set design, Jennifer said she had visions of the opulence and splendor seen in Netflix’s Bridgerton series. Pentacle costumer Mary Ann Potter has delivered on that vision.

“Whenever she walks in to show us the most recent costume, we all gasp,” Jennifer said.

In otherwise turbulent and unpredictable times, Jennifer wants the play to be an evening of kindness and entertainment. It’s suitable for all audiences, so bring the family to Pemberley this Christmas.

— Joce Johnson

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley

Friday, Nov 29 to Saturday, Dec 21Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW tickets.pentacletheatre.org