VPA production of ‘Sense and Sensibility’ opens today

WASILLA — Kelly Larson may have a Jane Austen problem.

She’s directed three plays thus far for Valley Performing Arts, and two of them were based on Austen’s novels. And on her wish list of other plays to direct, that’s right — more Austen.

She also directed “A Christmas Story” and “Pride and Prejudice,” but tonight theatergoers can see what she’s done with Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility.” The show plays through Feb. 3 at the Fred and Sara Machetanz Theater, 251 W. Swanson Ave., in Wasilla.

Larson held auditions in September and one of the surprises was St. John Lutheran pastor Jonathan Rockey, who she cast as Sir John Middleton. She said he stretched into the role and audiences will enjoy seeing this familiar face in an unfamiliar role.

Overall, the show includes 35 volunteers — from actors and actresses to the volunteers who run the lights and sound, sewed the costumes and built the elaborate sets.

“It’s a nice mix of veterans and newcomers,” Larson said.

Harpist Boogie Willis plays prior to the performance. Larson said she had wanted a piano player, but the logistics of that idea proved unworkable.

“Sometimes the universe just kind of tweaks things and they work out better,” she said.

The play opens at the Regency, where sisters Elinor (Kelly Anderson) and Marianne (Greta Kopperud) are thrust into poverty by their brother’s scheming and manipulative wife. Reduced to living with their mother in a tiny cottage with their prospects for marriage nearly ruined, the sisters are nevertheless courted by three dynamic men, each with a dark secret.

The shy and awkward Edward Ferrars (played by DJ Rotach) wins Elinor’s heart, neglecting to tell her he is already engaged to Lucy Steele (played by Spencer Massey), who unsuspectingly lets Elinor in on the devastating secret.

Colonel Brandon (played by Steve Impson) desperately loves Marianne, but his former attachment to the ill-fated Eliza and his old-fashioned habits fill Marianne with mistrust and disdain. Instead, Marianne, passionate and reckless, falls head-over-heels in love with the dashing Willoughby (played by Ian Hendren), only to be deserted when it is learned that Willoughby seduced Colonel Brandon’s young ward and abandoned her with his child.

Their hearts broken, Elinor and Marianne nearly give up on love until fate intervenes. In the midst of all is the outrageous, Mrs. Jennings (played by Stephanie Berta), whose gossip-mongering creates hilarious misunderstandings. As appealing as it was in 1811, “Sense and Sensibility” is filled with romance, witty banter and heartbreaking tenderness.

Performances are at 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m., Sundays. Tickets may be purchased online at valleyperformingarts.org or by calling 373-0195 and cost $17 for students and seniors and $19 for adults.

Non-perishable food items also are being accepted at each performance on behalf of the Food Pantry of Wasilla.