Playing their central roles as grounded characters inhabiting the theatrically translated world of Austen’s story were Katelyn Manfre and Jacob Yeh as Lizzie and Mr. Darcy. Well-matched in wit and independence, these characters are what the title is all about. When Elizabeth can overcome her first impressions of Darcy, and he can overcome his lack of subtlety and social grace, they can become a pair – but not before they move apart quite memorably. Manfre nails down Lizzie’s intellectual streak, her sharp wit, and the firmness of her convictions. The actress also is deliciously expressive when she gazes at Yeh as Darcy, with her face betraying true feelings even when Lizzie’s tongue is wagging against him. Manfre is well-matched by Yeh as Darcy, although he downplays the boldness and veers more gentlemanly for most of his scenes. By the time the two confront each other and see through their differences, Yeh’s connection to Manfre is completely believable.

DC Theatre Scene

Katelyn Manfre’s Elizabeth and Jacob Yeh’s Darcy manage to keep things grounded amid the chaos going on all around them. Lizzy here comes across as more of a Jo March, discontentedly struggling against the system, than the Elizabeth Bennet we’re used to seeing, wittily resigned to her place in it. Nonetheless, both Manfre and Yeh convey genuine growth in maturity and understanding over the course of the show, and the interactions between them are compelling.

DC Theater Arts