Our Shakespearian Sense & Sensibility Date Night!
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Our Shakespearian Sense & Sensibility Date Night!
I know you’re looking at that headline and scratching your head. What, you ask, do Shakespeare and Sense & Sensibility have in common? What exactly is happening here?
I promise: all these questions and more will be answered. Along the way I’ll share the scoop on a new local eatery, explain why Shakespeare in the Park was not in the park, review some outstanding entertainment, and…
give suggestions for your very own Sense & Sensibility Date!
Let’s begin, okay?
Birthday Gift
My parents have birthdays in mid-August and early September, so I was pondering the birthday gift situation. As previously discussed, I’m a fan of giving “experience” gifts. You can read more about experience gifts here and here.
All four of us–my parents, husband and I–enjoy live music and theatre, so I began searching for available events. As soon as I saw the Sense & Sensibility play, my search was over.
Dinner at Matty McMillen’s Irish Pub
We discovered a new restaurant had opened near us and decided to give it a try. Since our youngest son joined us for dinner, three people ordered fish and chips. The fish was outstanding, and I especially enjoyed the aroma of the grilled lemon half. The fries were a bit greasy, but still an enjoyable dinner.
Joe ordered a Reuben and Daddy had the corned beef, cabbage, and colcannon plate. (I’m convinced that colcannon will be served in Heaven. If you’ve never tasted it, you must rectify the issue immediately!)
We enjoyed excellent service, and will surely return for more fish and chips soon. There’s also a snooker table for the patrons’ enjoyment, which we did not have time to play. Next time!
Paseo Arts District
The theatre is located in the charming Paseo Arts District, which feels like a small Spanish village with stucco buildings and clay tile roofs. It is home to over twenty art galleries and more than 60 artists intermingled with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and gift shops. It’s a lovely area.
Shakespeare in the Park…But Not in the Park
Sense & Sensibility was performed by the Shakespeare in the Park Company. Joe and I have attended several Shakespeare performances in parks in different states, including plays since we’ve moved to Oklahoma. Since the weather is frequently unbearably hot and humid, the company decided to procure an indoor venue in order to produce entertainment even in the hottest months.
The stage is tiny. Tiny! Seating capacity is only eighty, creating an intimate experience. You will most assuredly want to purchase your tickets in advance for the Paseo venue.
Our previous Shakespeare in the Park performances were all plays by Shakespeare, so seeing this play was a completely novel experience. Shakespeare in the Park that wasn’t Shakespeare and wasn’t in the Park!
Sense & Sensibility
Jane Austen. I’m a fan. Anyone may know my regard for Jane Austen. I have read biographies about her and read each of her books repeatedly. I own almost every adaptation made, and have decided opinions on the merits of each. I’m always nervous when viewing an adaptation, fearing the story will be man-handled.
Nothing could have prepared me for this adaptation.
The venue is tiny. The cast is minuscule. The props few, and the set non-existent.
Low production values? You have never seen the like.
Since there is no backstage, the characters are all in sight and in character throughout. The only costume changes consist of grabbing a different hat or vest from a hook; the scenery changes consist of waved branches to signify walking outdoors.
Actors play multiple parts, including dogs and horses. Frequently they portray more than one character in the same scene. At one point, a puppet was triumphantly added to the mix to play a part.
This cast doesn’t simply sigh and accept the paucity of resources. The low production values are embraced. Celebrated. No one has ever reveled in low production values like this cast.
I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed anything so much!
We laughed until we cried. When an audience member was pulled in to play Mrs. Jennings for one scene, we cheered and laughed ourselves hoarse. A single actor played both Lucy Steele and Fanny Dashwood. When Lucy and Fanny get into an argument that turns into a physical altercation…I can’t even describe the mayhem as this one-actor fight took place. Pandemonium.
And I won’t even attempt to describe the scene where Marianne walks in a rain storm…portrayed by two leaping actors spritzing water from spray bottles. I could never do it justice.
Strangely enough, it wasn’t all laughs. Somehow we felt the serious emotions, too: sorrow at the loss of their father, anger at being turned away from their home, grief and heartbreak at the appropriate moments. It is a great credit to the talent of this company that we are able to feel these intense emotions in such spartan conditions.
How to Enjoy a Shakespearian Sense & Sensibility Date
If you live in Oklahoma City, you have three more performances before it’s done! Get your tickets and go this week.
or
Create Your Own Sense & Sensibility Date!
Here are some suggestions:
Borrow, rent, or purchase one of the movies (affiliate links at end of post)
Prepare a picnic such as Colonel Brandon hosted at Delaford, his estate (rushing away for an emergency optional)
Get out your pretty cups and saucers for a tea party
Perhaps your husband will read to you from Shakespeare’s sonnets or William Cowper’s poetry? (Or not…)
If Jane Austen movies just aren’t your husband’s cup of tea, this would be excellent fun for Ladies’ Night! Invite your friends over, get comfy and sigh, laugh, and cry together.
I would love to hear about a favorite date night or Ladies’ Night! Please share your ideas. Let’s all make a plan right now for a fun, relationship-building activity this weekend. It can be with your children, husband, family members, friends, or neighbors. What is something you can do to cultivate those important relationships and create memories?
Recommended Reading
Heart-felt Gifts for Mom | What Mom Really Wants
How to Give Gifts with Heart and Purpose
Jane Austen | Favorite Authors
Our Christmas Date | Christmas Carol Evening
Cuppa Comprehensive | Tea Lover’s Guide
Resources
Shakespeare in the Park
Paseo Arts District
Colcannon Recipe
Post linked up at #LMMLinkup Party
This was such a special night! There is not a lot of things better than enjoying an experience with your kids. Feeling blessed.
We made some great memories, didn’t we? I’ll never see the “Marianne-in-the-rain” scene without picturing those leaping spray bottle wielding actors!! And the puppet! And the fight! And…..so many things.