'Sense and Sensibility' slated for Sterling College Theatre

With several movie versions, television productions and stage adaptations, Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” has proven to be one of history’s best-loved romance stories.

It will come to life on the Sterling College Theatre stage on Feb. 5-6 in a new adaptation by playwright Kate Hamill.

“Sense and Sensibility” follows sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they navigate the ups and downs of English society and romance in the late 18th century. Having recently lost their father, the Dashwood sisters and their mother are forced to move, leaving behind friends, and for Elinor, an important young man. However, with Elinor’s practicality, Marianne’s exuberance and younger sister Margaret’s chatter, they make a happy home.

Circumstances improve further when Marianne meets a dashing young man. But after he departs suddenly, both Marianne and Elinor are left wondering what has become of the men they care for.

The show’s director, senior student Ardynn Hershberger, has chosen to present the story with little set and few props to allow the audience to focus more on the story and characters.

“I really want people to see the story of ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and to see the people in the story and not just write it off as a British romance,” said Hershberger.

Elinor Dashwood will be played by Sterling College freshman Kaitlyn Lumbert, of Wichita. Marianne Dashwood will be played by sophomore Maria Urwiller, of Hutchinson. Margaret Dashwood will be played by sophomore Alicia DeHaan, of Salina. Jenna Weis, a senior from Little River, will play Mrs. Dashwood. Torey Wilson, sophomore from Rural Hall, N.C., will play Edward Ferrars. Nicholas Gift, of Stafford, will be seen as Willoughby, with Nilo Reynoso, of Long Beach, Calif., as Colonel Brandon. Cate Gutteridge of Oklahoma City, will play Mrs. Jennings. Bryson Browlee, of Sterling, will play Sir John Middleton. Others in the cast include Addison Owens, of Wichita; Keeley Coon, of Eureka, and Dylan Werth, of Hays.

All performances of “Sense and Sensibility” will take place in Culbertson Auditorium on the Sterling College campus. Social distancing and masks for audience members will be required. Tickets will be available at the door and will be $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. 

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.