Pride And Prejudice

Pride And Prejudice: A Musical

Updated Oct 17, 2007

Click here to see photos from the Oct 13-15, 2007 premier production at Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho

This first production was directed by Sherri Dienstfrey. Her comments about the production were glowing: "The ISU Theatre and Dance department thoroughly enjoyed producing PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A MUSICAL for Practicum class. The student actors found the characters, music, and dialogue challenging yet always enjoyable. The songs were catchy and varied and the character relationships were fun to create. All in all this was a wonderful experience for all of us."

Pride and Prejudice: A Musical - Synopsis

Pride and Prejudice: A Musical is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's attempts to find husbands for their five daughters. In Act One, the Bennets are introduced to the eligible Mr. Bingley at a ball. Bingley falls in love with Jane, the eldest Bennet daughter, but Bingley's friend, the rich and proud Mr. Darcy, belittles the charms of Elizabeth, the second eldest of the Bennet girls. Elizabeth becomes quite prejudiced against Darcy from this point in time on -- completely unaware that Darcy is beginning, in spite of himself, to fall in love with her as the play progresses. However, Jane's heart is broken when Bingley returns to London without proposing to her. Further plot complications arise in the form of two suitors for Elizabeth: a stodgy clergyman, Mr. Collins, and an adventurous young military officer, Mr. Wickham, who spreads ugly rumors about Darcy's character. When Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins' proposal, her best friend Charlotte Lucas steps in and marries Collins rather than end her life as an old maid. While dining at Lady Catherine de Bourgh's mansion, Elizabeth again encounters Darcy, who happens to be Lady Catherine's nephew. Elizabeth learns by accident that it was Darcy who advised Bingley to leave her sister Jane. She is furious with Darcy for interfering, and when he makes an awkward proposal of marriage, she utterly rejects him.

In Act Two, Darcy's true generous nature is gradually revealed to Elizabeth, who is touring the English countryside with her aunt and uncle. Elizabeth is devastated by the news that Lydia, the Bennet's youngest daughter, has eloped with Wickham, and she returns home immediately to find the family in mourning over the scandal. Eventually, all sorrow turns to joy when the runaway lovers are discovered and induced to marry. Soon after, Bingley returns and proposes to Jane. Elizabeth learns that it is Darcy that has made all this possible. Her feelings for him have undergone a complete change since the beginning of the musical. When Darcy asks once more for her hand in marriage, she gladly accepts. The musical ends with the Bennets' rejoicing over having found husbands for three of their daughters and looking forward with anticipation to marrying off the remaining two.

Musical Numbers: (Click on any link and an MP3 files will be automatically downloaded)

Overture: Entire Music

Marriage Song: Entire Music Accompaniment Only Because much of the subject matter contained in this show pertains to marriage (The Bennets' concern over their daughters' marrying well; Mr. Collins' proposal and Elizabeth's rejection of it; the marriage of Mr. Collins to Charlotte Lucas; the romances between Bingley and Jane, and later, Darcy and Elizabeth; the elopement and later marriage of Wickham and Lydia), we felt that this was the correct song to open the show. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet begin, singing their disappointment in marriage; then the daughters all join in, describing the kind of man they each would like to marry.

"THE MARRIAGE SONG"

MRS. BENNET: I bear the burden all alone

You are no help at all.

A single man of fortune comes

And you refuse to call.

Marriage is not what I expected

Thought you’d support me all the way

No, marriage is not what I expected it to be

Feeling more lonely every day.

MR. BENNET: My wife thinks just of silly things

of fashion, balls and such.

I miss the charming girl I wed

her tenderness, her touch.

Marriage is not what I expected

Little in common with my wife.

No, marriage is not what I expected it to be.

Now all my days are filled with strife.

ELIZABETH: My father is a learned man.

My mother loves to sew;

How they came to fall in love

we truly do not know.

KITTY AND MARY: Marriage for me will be more thrilling!

LYDIA: Marriage for me must be for fun.

ELIZABETH AND JANE:And marriage is sharing all your sorrows, all your dreams,

blending two hearts to beat as one.

MRS. BENNET: (speaking) Sometimes, Mr. Bennet, I wonder if you care to see your daughters marry at all!

(singing) My dear, you’d be no use to us

should twenty suitors come

MR. BENNET: Please rest assured, if twenty come

I’ll visit every one.

MR. & MRS. BENNET: Marriage is not what I expected

when I was caught by passion’s fire.

No, marriage is not what I expected it to be!

KITTY AND MARY: I dream of finding the right suitor!

LYDIA: I want a handsome man to love me!

JANE: Someone who’s kind and understanding!

ELIZABETH: A man who’s intelligent and strong!

BENNET GIRLS: Marriage is what we all desire!

Gigue (dance) Accompaniment Only This is the background music for the country dance where Bingley, Darcy, Miss Darcy and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst are first introduced to the Bennets and other residents of the area. The dancing at this event seems less formal and more for fun than the dance at Pemberley in Act II, so this dance form seems to fit the country folk dancing it.

Love's Spell: Entire Music Accompaniment Only Jane has met and captured the heart of Mr. Bingley at the dance. This is her joyful and bubbly description of of being captured by love's spell. "Love's Spell" is reprised later in Act I, after Jane receives the disheartening news that Bingley and company have gone to London; the same basic tune is used as in the original song, although this time it is sung in a much darker key to reflect Jane's belief that she has lost Bingley forever.

"LOVE’S SPELL"

JANE: (singing) When he held out his hand and I lifted my eyes

Then I paused at the warmth in his glance

As I trembled inside at the power of his touch

I abandoned myself to the dance.

Love’s spell then captured me,

It took me by surprise.

Love’s spell enraptured me,

I saw it in his eyes.

ELIZABETH: (Spoken) Well, he was very handsome, which a young man ought to be if he

possibly can.

JANE: (Singing) It was more than good looks that enchanted my heart

As he led me out on to the floor.

Though we’d only just met something whispered within

"You’ve danced with him this way before."

Love’s spell then captured me,

It took me by surprise.

Love’s spell enraptured me,

I saw it in his eyes.

ELIZABETH: (Spoken) Why then, his character is thereby complete, and I give you leave to like

him. You have liked many a stupider person.

JANE: (Spoken) Oh, Lizzy!

(Singing) Though my heart seems to say that he may be the one

I know only the future will tell

If my feelings are real on this magical night

Or tis only the lure of love’s spell.

Love’s spell has captured me,

It takes me by surprise.

Love’s spell enraptures me,

I’ve found it in his eyes.

Love's Spell, Reprise #1: Entire Music Accompaniment Only

I Do Not Wish To Know: Entire Music Accompaniment Only Elizabeth and her best friend Charlotte Lucas have had many conversations on the subject of whether or not a young lady should or should not be aware of her intended husband's shortcomings prior to their marriage. In this charming and witty duet, the two of them are discussing the subject yet again, Elizabeth insisting that a young lady MUST know about such important things, and Charlotte insisting she does not wish to know!

"I DO NOT WISH TO KNOW!"

ELIZABETH: If a man picks his teeth, or his face, or his feet?