THE WICKHAMS: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY Taproot Theatre December 2, 2022 Eclectic Arts Media

THE WICKHAMS: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY

By Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon
Directed by Karen Lund
Taproot Theatre Company
Seattle, WA

Review: Friday 12/3/22 8pm Performance

(Kathryn Bogley, Kelly Karcher, and Annie Yim in The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.)


I was looking forward to this sequel to the 2018 production from Taproot Theatre, “Miss Bennett: Christmas At Pemberley”. The new show focuses on Lydia Wickham (Kelly Karcher) and George Wickham (Ian Bond).


The Jane Austen inspired story is enjoyable and, for the most part, light hearted. Mr. Wickham has some character flaws, to put it mildly, which creates the tension between the other characters, mainly Fitzwilliam Darcy (Brian Pucheu) and Elizabeth Darcy (Annie Yim).


It was a nice touch that actors Kelly Karcher and Brian Pucheu could reprise their characters from the 2018 production. That continuity piece was something I haven’t seen much of in local theatre.


The performances were solid as expected. I particularly like Brian Pucheu’s portrayal of Mr. Darcy. Witty, believable, and magnetic.


I also enjoyed Kathryn Bogley who played Cassie. Such subtle nuance to her performance, she absolutely stood out.



(Katheryn Bogley and Kelly Karcher in The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade.)


Gretchen Douma as Mrs. Reynolds was really the glue on the stage.  Her performance was magnificent.


Director Karen Lund, who helmed the earlier show as well, utilized the aisles which I happen to love when I attend a Taproot Theatre performance. I know some directors don’t like to, but I prefer it when they do.


The show is strong but the source material seems a bit light this time around, perhaps that’s what the writers intended. Nothing wrong with a show that doesn’t drain you emotionally, especially for a holiday based show.


Overall, “The Wickhams: Christmas At Pemberley” is a fine way to spend a holiday season evening at Taproot Theatre!


Recommended!


“The Wickhams: Christmas At Pemberley” runs through December 30th. Tickets are available here:  TICKETS!


Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media

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