Program Review – The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged

JASNA New Jersey members and friends.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that only a Janeite with a keen sense of humor could pair Dungeons & Dragons and Northanger Abbey and make it work. But pair them The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged does, and actors Jessica Bedford, Charlotte “Chuck” Northeast, and Trevor Fayle make performing all of Jane Austen’s best loved (and sometimes most scorned) characters look easy. Each novel has its own unique retelling with humorous and heartwarming takes on its characters. The Works is so complete, even the Juvenilia is included. But what if you don’t know Wickham from Wentworth? Don’t worry! Jane Austen newbies will enjoy the performance and laugh along with the most seasoned of Austen-aficionados. Members of the JASNA-NJ chapter were able to enjoy one of the last shows in The Complete Works most recent run, and every attendee had a fantastic time.

The Complete Works, a production in Tiny Dynamite’s A Play, A Pie, and a Pint series, includes a slice of pizza and a beer or soft drink with each ticket. The Sunday matinee, which we attended, includes champagne, tea, and a box of tea snacks that include pastries, tea sandwiches, and desserts from A Taste of Britain. The box is well stocked and it is all delicious!

The play is performed at the Hill-Physick house, which provides an intimate and historically-appropriate venue for the show. The venue is small and the play sell out, so don’t wait to get tickets. As of this writing, the company’s October reboot is already 60% sold out. The Hill-Physick House is a historic location that offers tours of the house. Our group was able to view the house and gardens before the show and we recommend it, as well.

-Jessica