Theater News

Sense & Sensibility Playwright to Premiere Stage Adaptation of Vanity Fair

The William Thackeray novel will make its stage debut at the Pearl Theatre Company.

Kate Hamill will star in her new stage adaptation of William Thackeray's Vanity Fair at the Pearl Theatre Company.
Kate Hamill will star in her new stage adaptation of William Thackeray's Vanity Fair at the Pearl Theatre Company.
(photo provided by Blake Zidell & Associates)

The Pearl Theatre Company will present the world-premiere production of Vanity Fair, a stage adaptation of William Thackeray's English satire. The play is written by Kate Hamill, best known for her critically acclaimed off-Broadway hit Sense & Sensibility. Performances will run from March 24-April 25.

Helmed by Bedlam Artistic Director Eric Tucker, the production will feature Hamill leading a seven-member ensemble in the central role of Becky Sharp. The story is set in a society that cares more for good birth and good manners than for skill. Sharp — poor, plain, and devilishly clever — is determined to defy the odds through risky romantic entanglements, shady business practices, and social climbing at any cost. She won’t stop until the world lies at her feet.

The ensemble of Vanity Fair will also include the Pearl’s Resident Acting Company members Joey Parsons and Brad Heberlee, with guest artists Zack Fine, Tom O’Keefe, Ryan Quinn, and Debargo Sanyal.

The creative team features Sandra Goldmark (set), Valérie Thérèse Bart (costumes), Seth Reiser (lights), and Katherine Whitney (production stage manager).

"I’m committed to reclaiming the classics for all genders," said Hamill in a statement. "In adapting Thackeray’s novel, I wanted to write a play that provided a glimpse into a deep female friendship between two different female archetypes and the parallel paths they travel to overcome the limitations posed upon them. I also wanted the play to serve as a reminder not to judge others too harshly, because the truth is we’re all so fallible."

For tickets and more information, click here.

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Vanity Fair

Closed: May 27, 2017