Fall Play "Sense and Sensibility" debuted Nov. 11–12

Portsmouth Abbey School was proud to present a lively and fun adaptation of Jane Austen’s celebrated novel, "Sense & Sensibility," last week. The Nov. 8 matinee performance attracted approximately 350 students from three local middle schools and several members from a local senior center. The Friday performance had students, faculty and staff roaring in laughter, especially when Ms. Benestad, head of Classics, made an unexpected cameo appearance as the "snobby" Mrs. Ferrars, along with Sean Brennan '24, who played her favored son, Robert.

According to Mr. Bragan, "This playful and new adaptation followed the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters (sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne) after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. Set in gossipy late 18th-century England, with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humor, emotional depth, and bold theatricality. 'Sense and Sensibility' examines our reactions, both reasonable and ridiculous, to societal pressures."

Congratulations and well done to the Cast, Stage Crew and Staff!

Cast Stage Crew Staff

Elinor Dashwood: Whitaker Williams

Light Board Operator: Philip Chamian

Director: Jay Bragan

Marianne Dashwood: Heather Zhang

Mic Board Operator: Owen Barry

Technical Director: Lance Ruggiero

Mrs. Dashwood: Regan Landers

Sound Operator: Alex Wang

Costume Designer: Erika Fay Greenwood

Margaret Dashwood: Kaylin Guillotte

Projection Operator: Jonathan Mammen

Costume Alterations: Janna Pederson

Edward Ferrars: Lorenzo Munda

Backstage Hands: Zara Liu, Eli Nyairo

Choreographer: Sam Di Palma

Colonel Brandon: Hans Yuan

Poster Design: Kat Morris

Sound Assistance: Mike Carnaroli

John Willoughby: Dino De Marzio

 

Photographs: George Corrigan

Sir John: Julius Epke

   

Mrs. Jennings: Avery Holz

   

Fanny (Ferrars) Dashwood, Gossip: Mia Torello

   

John Dashwood, Gossip: JJ Servidea

   

Lucy Steele, Gossip: Lily Bohan

   

Anne Steele, Gossip: Kat Morris

   

Thomas, Gossip: Adam Luo

   

Doctor, Gossip: Andrew He