'Sense and Sensibility' at Melbourne Civic Theatre is not your grandmother's Jane Austen

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Jane Austen, with her wicked sense of humor, must be up in the heavens above laughing at the attention her works keep earning. Modern screen adaptations of Austen's books, from “Clueless” to “Bride and Prejudice” keep drawing attention to her take on love.

In Austen’s eyes, romance is that much sweeter when money and excellent real estate is involved. After all, according to "Pride and Prejudice," it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

Melbourne Civic Theatre introduces another perspective on Austen with Kate Hamill’s adaptation of “Sense and Sensibility,” opening May 20.

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Hamill’s romp through English country manners engages a chorus of “gossips,” actors who play several roles and even serve to move the scenery around. The set is on wheels in the MCT production.

“This version of the show is unique in that the staging is different than anyone has seen in an Austen adaptation,” said director Peg Girard.

“This is not your standard box set. The gossips are onstage watching the action, at times moving the furniture. Peering through windows are horses and dogs.”

In this show, set pieces have been known to dash and spin around the stage, often with actors perilously still attached to them. This is not your great-great-great grandma’s Austen.

Hamill’s adaption - her first full-length play - premiered in New York City at the Sheen Centre in Manhattan in 2014. A hit with both the box office and the critics, the play has since then been embraced by professional theaters across the United States.

The original Regency-era bones remain in this story of Dashwood sisters Elinor and Marianne as they navigate the roiling waters of class, money and reputation when their father suddenly dies, upending their comfortable upper-class existence.

A little rowdiness and plenty of exuberance propel the tale into the 21st Century while still playing homage to the author and the times that created it. Humorous and theatrically robust, the production still delivers plenty of emotional depth.

The cast includes Bobbie Letmon as Elinor and Natalie Jones as Marianne. Adonna Niosi, Daniel San Ramon, Sarah Lawrence, Rachel Greshes, CJ Ward, Adam Lightfoot, Sony Jackson, Anna Grace Cornell and Steven Mogell play multiple supporting roles.

Alan Selby is set and light designer and technical director, and Wendy Reader is sound designer. Linda Lindsey is set artist and hair and wigs are designed by Jessica Foix.

Of course, if it is Austen, there must be a ball somewhere. And there is, choreographed by Heather McFarland.

Die-hard Jane Austen groupies and neophytes alike will delight in this unique “Sense and Sensibility,” which the New York Times called “a bouncy, jaunty take on Austen.”

“Sense and Sensibility” is a comedy, so come enjoy yourself.... don't be afraid !” said Girard.

If you go

'Sense and Sensibility'

Where: Melbourne Civic Theatre, 817 E. Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through June 26. A Saturday matinee has been added on June 11.

Tickets: $30

Info: 321-723-6935

On the web: mymct.org

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'Sense and Sensibility' rolls on stage at Melbourne Civic Theatre