DENNIS, MA – The Cape Playhouse is proud to present Sense and Sensibility, Kate Hamill’s farcical and hilarious adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel. Sense and Sensibility opens on June 21st with a ten-day run through July 1st. Set in 18th-century England, this high energy update follows the lives of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood – two sisters who lose their fortune, their home, and all their prospects for love after their father’s untimely death. One practical and dutiful, the other passionate and artistic, their quest for love and romance leads to scuttlebutt and scandals when one follows her head (sense) and the other her heart (sensibility).
Making her Cape Playhouse directing debut of Kate Hamill’s brilliant adaptation is Jessica Holt, an MFA graduate of the Yale School of Drama. Jessica is equally at home directing contemporary plays and musicals as she is reinvestigating classics for what they have to say to us today. “This is the third time I have had the good fortune to direct this fast, funny and full-hearted play, and every time I encounter it, I fall in love with it all over again. Kate’s adaptation sparkles with wit and theatrical magic. Her inspired vision sweeps us into this beloved story and gives it a fresh update that makes these timeless characters new again.” Ms. Holt’s recent directing credits include The Great Leap (Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre), Fun Home (River & Rail Theatre), The Code by the Kilbanes and Ironbound (American Conservatory Theatre), The Thanksgiving Play, Venus in Fur, and Sense and Sensibility, (Virginia Stage Company), among others.
This production of Sense and Sensibility features Jenn Gambatese who takes on the role of Elinor. Jen has starred on Broadway in Tarzan, All Shook Up, Mrs. Doubtfire, School of Rock,
Hairspray, and Footloose. Joining her on stage in the role of Marianne is Manna Nichols. Her Broadway credits include The King and I and Allegiance. Manna returns later this season to pick up her starring role from last summer in An American in Paris, back by popular demand for an extended run. The summer season kicked off with Ain’t Misbehavin’ (June 7-17) with Lacy Darryl Phillips as Director/Choreographer and Ken Page as Production Consultant. Jersey Boys follows Sense and Sensibility (July 5-22), then An American in Paris (July 26-August 12), Camelot (August 16-26), and Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery(August 30-September 9).
