Juniors and seniors to perform this timeless classic for its spring 2024 production
KAUKAUNA – St. Ignatius Chesterton Academy will present “Pride and Prejudice” at 7 p.m. on April 26 and and 1 p.m. on April 27 at St. Katharine Drexel–St. Mary’s Site Gym, 119 W. 7th St., Kaukauna.
Members of the public are invited to attend. No tickets are required, but a suggested $7 donation may be made at the door.
“Pride and Prejudice” is a classic story by Jane Austen. This adaptation, by St. Ignatius Drama Director Heather Neumann, sparkles as characters dance through delicate social interactions. Main characters, Elizabeth, her sisters and her friends, dance and dream of marriage, while her matchmaking mother encourages connections to single men with fortunes. Proud Mr. Darcy and his entourage spark interest and intrigue in the minds of the ladies, and the play also explores if societal expectations unravel in the face of romance.
The play is directed by Neumann, who has directed, coached and taught drama for decades throughout the Fox Valley. She has also self-authored and adapted two plays, including this adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice.”
“If you’re interested in a classical Regency era romance with a love story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, complimented by the necessary sense of humor and wit, then you’ll love St. Ignatius Chesterton Academy’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’,” said Junior Hannah Klotz, who plays the role of Mary Bennet.
Drama is part of the integrated classical core curriculum at St. Ignatius Chesterton Academy.
With the arts being a primary source of knowledge and ideas in today’s culture for many young people, students learn about drama as an art form and also study it in an integrated literary, philosophical, historical and theological context.
Additionally, drama benefits students by bringing them together for a common goal.
“The biggest challenge has been putting ourselves in the mindset and characters of those in 1800s England,” said Senior Ava Van Boxtel, who plays the role of Jane Austen. “However, this has been particularly fun to navigate together. Each rehearsal, I get more and more excited seeing the whole production come together, and I can’t wait to perform for an audience.”
