Pride and Prejudice

Thanks to the sharp wit of Jane Austen's charming Regency-period novel, countless theatrical productions have been launched to interpret the story, hoping to capture the quirks and foibles of the very human nature of its characters. And in a large sense, Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan's abbreviated adaptation for the stage hits the high points and accomplishes its mission. It is, however, like speed dating for a marriage partner: You may not capture the complete essence intended.

Director Kyle Donnelly's large cast works well together, and its greatest strengths are in the subordinate characters who flesh out the story of Elizabeth Bennet (Dana Green) and her romantic judgments about Mr. Darcy (Corey Brill), the snobbish gentleman who arrives with Charles Bingley (Brian Hostenske) and his sister, Caroline (a subtle Amy Ellenberger), at their country estate. Brill's portrayal is nuanced and effective, but Green's characterization of the exceptional Miss Bennet doesn't jell until the latter part of the production. Randy Oglesby and Jane Carr contrast nicely as, respectively, Elizabeth's wise father and her giddily scatterbrained mother. Hostenske makes a hearty, cheerful suitor for Jane Bennet (Rebecca Lawrence, whose characterization weakly captures the warmth and essence of Austen's eldest sister).

Sir William (James Newcomb) and Lady Lucas (Eva Barnes) provide verisimilitude and a bit of humor as they interact throughout the story. The accomplished, perfectly cast Kandis Chappell plays Lady Catherine de Bourgh with as much imperiousness as the novel gives her. The rest of the youthful Bennet sisters are more caricature than flesh-and-blood girls of the time, particularly the unpleasant Lydia (Amalia Fite). Also delivering an unctuous and strangely Dickensian portrayal is Scott Drummond as Mr. Collins, the newly arrived cleric who will inherit the Bennets' family home.

Michael Roth delivers original music and music direction to accompany Sylvia C. Turner's nicely choreographed country dances. Kate Edmunds' scenic design and Lap Chi Chu's lighting, particularly the spectacular changing English settings projected against the simple backdrop, are beautifully executed.

The entire production is engaging, even with the inconsistencies mentioned. In particular, it successfully achieves South Coast Repertory's mission to bring to life fine works of literature for a younger-demographic audience.

Presented by and at South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. Sept. 17-Oct. 9. Tue.-Wed., 7:30 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. (714) 708-5555. www.scr.org.