Buffalo Theatre Ensemble’s “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley”/Photo: Rex Howard Photography
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Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley,” a nineteenth-century-style drama and second in a trilogy written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. At the McAninch Arts Center through December 15, director Connie Canaday Howard helms this tale of class division, Enlightenment-era feminism and moral ethics set in the servants’ quarters of a stately manor.
At a days-long holiday gathering at Pemberley estate, visitors entertain themselves upstairs as the servants work tirelessly below. Mrs. Reynolds (Kelli Walker) is the experienced housemaid, sternly barking commands to newcomer Cassie (Jamila Joiner), a lower-class woman with a troubled family history, and Brian (Beck Damron), a sprightly young man with dreams of becoming an inventor during the burgeoning industrial revolution. While living comfortable lives in the mansion, the trio are mindful of their class positions, and they struggle with how to deliver bad news to their aristocratic employers.
And bad news comes indeed! Master of the house Mr. Darcy (Robert Hunter Bry) has strictly forbidden an invitation to his brother-in-law George Wickham (McGuire Price), a lascivious reprobate who has abandoned his wife during a long period of absence. Darcy’s wife Elizabeth (Paige Klopfenstein) does her best to console her sister Lydia Wickham (Danielle Kerr), who opines for her husband despite his questionable past deeds. Just in time to ruin the holidays, who should appear but Wickham himself, bringing with him a whirlwind of turmoil.
Buffalo Theatre Ensemble’s “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley,” with Kelli Walker and McGuire Price/Photo: Rex Howard Photography
Wickham is deplorable, but his silver tongue and dashing good looks always seem to get him out of trouble. But perhaps not this time, as a mysterious letter found by Cassie amongst his clothes opens the door to an unthinkable scandal. Over a tin of Mrs. Reynolds’ famed biscuits, the work staff periodically pauses their duties to hash out the best course of action to alert their employer of Wickham’s debauchery without putting themselves in front of the firing squad. This creates a wonderful pacing to the story as bits of Wickham’s past misdeeds are gradually unraveled as the staff grows bold, putting their livelihoods on the line for the cause of moral righteousness.
The production overall is a joy to behold. Each character is well-defined—from Brian’s youthful exuberance to Lydia’s nervous naivete and Wickham’s depraved but affable demeanor. Conversations of pre-suffragette women’s rights make for moments of profound philosophical debate. Director Howard adeptly navigates each character through the maze of the servants’ quarters as characters navigate a lofty staircase and hide in nooks perfect for eavesdropping. The set is an eye-pleaser, with great details and a large stone fireplace as the centerpiece. Original musical compositions by Christopher Kriz are the perfect addition to helping set the mood.
If you’re looking for a period piece with all the trimmings, this one is for you. Great pacing, beautiful set and sound design and a cast of capricious characters make “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley” a great way to kick off the holiday season.
“The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley” is presented by Buffalo Theatre Ensemble through December 15 at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn. Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm; and Sundays at 3pm. There is no show on November 28 and an added 3pm matinee on November 30. Tickets are $44, available at atthemac.org or by calling call (630)942-4000.
