Artistic Civic Theatre kicks off the holiday season with a production of "Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,' opening Friday, Nov. 29, for six performances through Dec. 7 in Dalton, Georgia.
A sequel to Jane Austin's influential novel "Pride and Prejudice," set two years after that novel ends, "Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley" reunites the eccentric Bennet sisters as they celebrate the holiday at the home of Elizabeth and her loving, but slightly stiff husband, Mr. Darcy.
Bookish middle sister Mary is the unlikely heroine this time around. Mary is growing tired of her role as dutiful middle sister in the face of her siblings' romantic escapades. But an unexpected guest sparks her hopes for independence, an intellectual match and possibly even love.
If you go
* What: “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley”* Where: Artistic Civic Theatre, 907 Gaston St., Dalton, Georgia* When: 8 p.m. Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 5-7; 2 p.m. Dec. 1* Admission: $16 adults, $14 senior adults, $12 students, ACT members receive $2 discount* For more information: http://actdalton.org/index.html
Meg Phinney plays Mary Bennet, and Chase Parker plays her love interest Arthur De Bourgh.
Amy Mueller and Kirt Johnson are cast as Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Taylor Witherow plays the third Bennet sister, Lydia Wickham.
Marnie Wall plays Jane Bingley, Adam Stark is Charles Bingley and Courtenay Cholovich is Anne De Bourgh.
The play is written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Rob Thompson is making his directorial debut.
"When I was first approached about directing 'Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,' I wasn't sure what to expect since I was unfamiliar with the play. But as soon as I read the script, I was hooked by its wit and intelligence," Thompson says.
"The cast and I have shared many a laugh during rehearsals, and we hope you enjoy the show as much as we have enjoyed preparing it for you."
For more information: 706-278-4796.