HOMETOWN ENTERTAINMENT: “Sense and Sensibility” comes alive onstage at Attic Productions

FINCASTLE, Va. (WDBJ) - It’s a timeless tale of love, heartbreak, and sisterly devotion, the show on stage at Attic Productions is adapted from the classic Jane Austen novel.

“This June marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. So, “Sense and Sensibility” was her first novel that she published, just published “by a lady.” She didn’t even have her name on there,” says director Angela McNeil.

Sense and Sensibility follows the Dashwood sisters, practical Elinor and passionate Marianne.

“They are considered upper class, but due to the 19th century inheritance laws, they lose everything when all of their home and possessions are passed along to the male heir. You have the sister that is so sensible that she’ll sacrifice her own happiness and suffer alone versus the other sister, who is so emotional she would tell the whole world about it. So, it’s a good thing Marianne Dashwood didn’t have social media,” says McNeil.

Elizabeth Brancati plays Marianne Dashwood.

“She’s just been a delight to play. I’ve been having a lot of fun with her, been a very new character for me and I think the hardest character for me, but I’m really enjoying her,” says Brancati.

The emotional struggles and themes of “Sense and Sensibility” are still relevant today.

“So many people suffering alone, not knowing how to ask for help or share in their grief. So, “Sense and Sensibility” is really about balancing the two to really find happiness and peace,” says McNeil.

Click this link for tickets.