New holiday classic Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley extends storyline of Pride and Prejudice

“…an unstuffy, highly entertaining and warm-spirited work, the kind of thing multiple generations can enjoy together.” —Chicago Tribune.

CofC Stages presents the play Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, a sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Penned by Lauren Gunderson and Margo Melcon, Miss Bennet is set two years after the novel ends and continues the story, this time with middle-sister Mary as the unlikely heroine. Spending most of her time in the company of books and her piano, Mary has grown tired of her role as the obedient daughter and dreams of forging a new path. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love. Carrying CofC Stages’ 2022-23 season theme, “Constructing Identity,” this witty, romantic comedy promises to captivate longtime fans of Jane Austen and newcomers alike.

Directed by veteran stage actor and Associate Professor of Theatre, Evan Parry, Miss Bennet features a cast composed of student actors. Production designers include theatre majors Savannah Blake (costume design), Ethan Robey (scenic design), Sara Whitehead (lighting design), and Eli Salas (sound design). Recent alumna Becca McLeod serves as stage manager.