Pride and Prejudice

by Melissa Leilani Larson

Almost from their first meeting, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself at odds with the reticent Mr. Darcy; she finds him cold and arrogant while he disapproves of her family and social standing. Brought together by events beyond their control, both must reconsider their first impressions. A crisp, theatrical imagining of Jane Austen's most popular classic.

Inquire About Rights
Recommend
Download
Save to Reading List

Pride and Prejudice

Recommended by

Janine Sobeck Knighton: Pride and Prejudice by Melissa Leilani Larson

“

Larson has a keen ability to translate Austen's beloved work to the stage. The humor is rich, the characters are entrancing, and there are even a few surprises for the most ardent Austen fan.

Larson has a keen ability to translate Austen's beloved work to the stage. The humor is rich, the characters are entrancing, and there are even a few surprises for the most ardent Austen fan.

”
Chelsea Frandsen: Pride and Prejudice by Melissa Leilani Larson

“

Rarely has there been an adaption of "Pride and Prejudice" that I've loved as much as this one. Larson's representation of Elizabeth and Darcy is one of the best I've seen; Lydia, Wickham, Mrs. Bennett and Lady Catherine are all delightful(in their own unique way); and her understanding of Austen's social commentary and satirical wit is something few have been able to grasp. Melissa Leilani Larson has grasped Austen, and I hope she will continue to delight us with more Austen adaptions.

Rarely has there been an adaption of "Pride and Prejudice" that I've loved as much as this one. Larson's representation of Elizabeth and Darcy is one of the best I've seen; Lydia, Wickham, Mrs. Bennett and Lady Catherine are all delightful(in their own unique way); and her understanding of Austen's social commentary and satirical wit is something few have been able to grasp. Melissa Leilani Larson has grasped Austen, and I hope she will continue to delight us with more Austen adaptions.

”

Development History

Type Reading, Organization Brigham Young University, Year 2013
Type Commission, Organization Brigham Young University, Year 2012
Type Workshop, Organization Brigham Young University, Year 2012

Production History

Type Community Theater, Organization Centerpoint Legacy Theatre, Year 2025
Type Community Theater, Organization Henderson Civic Theatre, Year 2025
Type Community Theater, Organization Grand Theatre Company, Year 2024
Type Community Theater, Organization Inspire Theatre Co., Year 2024
Type Community Theater, Organization INSPIRE Theatre Company, Year 2024
Type Community Theater, Organization Wayne Theatre, Year 2024
Type Community Theater, Organization Hale Center Theater Orem, Year 2023
Type Professional, Organization Texas Shakespeare Festival, Year 2023
Type High School, Organization Lehi High School, Year 2022
Type University, Organization Chichester College, Year 2022
Type Community Theater, Organization Creekside Theatre Fest, Year 2021
Type High School, Organization Hurricane High School, Year 2021
Type Professional, Organization Pride & Prejudice Productions, Year 2021
Type University, Organization Miami University Ohio, Year 2016
Type High School, Organization Chandler Preparatory Academy, Year 2015
Type High School, Organization Cambridge School of English, Ameghino Buenos Aires Argentina, Year 2014
Type University, Organization Brigham Young University, Year 2014

Awards

Excellent New Play

Utah Theatre Bloggers Association

Selection

2014
Drama Award

Association for Mormon Letters

Winner

2014
Best of Utah awards — "Best Modern Jane"

Salt Lake City Weekly

Judges' Choice

2014

Genre

adaptation,

comedy,

drama,

period,

romantic comedy

Subject Matter Keywords

Jane Austen,

love,

pride

Length

two to three hours

Cast Size

15—17

Age of Intended Audience

all ages

Narrative Attributes

Centers Female Characters

Supporting Materials

Published Script

https://yourstagepartners.com/pride-and-prejudice

Reviews

Utah Theatre Bloggers

“
‘Pride and Prejudice’ hits all the right notes.... A large portion of the praise belongs to local playwright Melissa Leilani Larson.... The performance flowed and shifted and eased through Austen’s world of manners and rules and class distinction flawlessly. (2023)
”
Chicago Reader

“
[A] script that I must insist Austen would adore and a cast that doesn't look like it was lifted from a Currier and Ives print.
”
The Deseret News

“
It’s a pleasure to report how effectively Larson has adapted 'Pride and Prejudice.' Her script is rich and humorous.
”
Front Row Reviewers

“
Larson did a remarkable job in making her adaptation fresh, and even though I have read the story and watched the films countless times, I delighted in the execution of this production. The script [was] a breath of fresh air.
”
Utah Theatre Bloggers

“
[An] intimate piece of theatre full of the wit and precision of the original.... Larson’s tight script flows well from one scene to another and deals well with the classic characteristics from the story. (2014)
”