←Recommendations of A Play with Music from Jane Austen's Songbooks

Syran has taken Austen’s famous and beloved novel with its many characters and interwoven plot-lines and masterfully turned it into a taut, engaging and very entertaining play with songs, which any audience would love. With a large and flexible cast and many opportunities for actors to connect with the audience, this would be tremendous fun on stage and seems perfect for schools and other theaters seeking a large-cast ensemble play.

Pure delight! Nora Louise Syran has created an entertaining adaptation with musical selections that serve the story perfectly. With such a large ensemble, this piece is ideal for schools or really any organization looking to put on a stage extravaganza.

What a fantastic idea. This lovely adaptation of Pride and Prejudice incorporates songs that Jane Austen is known to have loved and played, making the story sit even more richly in its period and adding a new, delightful layer to a tale so many of us were introduced to in high school. This would be a perfect play for high schoolers to tackle, as it deals with source material they'll read in English class, and the cast of characters is large and rich. A great piece.

The words of Jane Austen, the songs from Jane Austen's songbook, and the finesse and gentle handle of NORA LOUISE SYRAN... Why wouldn't this be delightful? This graceful piece will introduce the magical world of Austen to countless audience members and those who already love her will feel nostalgic and proud of this adaptation. Just lovely.

We had the great privilege of reading this wonderful piece at our Sunday night play reading. Even for those who are well acquainted with the story and other interpretations of it, this is a wonderfully unique twist that flowed beautifully from scene to scene depicting the tale of love, family, and all the complications associated there within. As well as brilliantly telling the story, the piece is wonderfully intertwined with beautiful songs that present another depth to the piece. It's crying out for production as it plays a wonderful homage to the work of Jane Austen!

People with a passing acquaintance with P&P will be charmed by this play. People who know their Austen well will love it. The conceit of pairing one of Austen's stories with contemporaneous songs, many of which she herself enjoyed, was brilliant, and Syran carries it off beautifully. Using the ensemble like a Greek chorus to comment upon and further the action was inspired. Great work nicely realized.

I adore Jane Austen and have seen or read a number of adaptations and this one by the incredibly talented Nora Louise Syran ranks among the best! It is faithful spirit of Austen (retaining much of her text), with songs and music that not only fit seamlessly into the world of story but move the plot forward. In short, *this* is the adaptation of Pride and Prejudice I yearn to see staged!

This is a charming, faithful adaptation of a beloved classic, perfect for a large ensemble of actor-singers. The performance text is full of carefully curated music suggestive of the wit and humor of both Austen and the theatrical world she's created. The piece moves swiftly with incredible efficiency - it would make a wonderful school or community production, as I imagine the whole thing could be performed with a simple, minimalist set. Ultimately, this piece is a tight adaptation full of great roles for young women, and it's absolutely in the spirit of the novel!

What a joyful adaptation! A must for Austen fans. The classic, familiar story outfitted with music selected from the revered author’s own playlist. A truly delightful piece of theater.