Tonight, the North Penn Theatre is opening their fall production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. In preparation, the Knight Crier interviewed a few members of the cast.

Gabe Quinodoz

Gabe plays the role of Mr. Darcy, the male lead next to Elizabeth Bennet (played by Jessica Arnold) He is an English aristocrat who at first seems aloof and pompous. When asked about the role, Gabe said that he finds Darcy interesting, but challenging. He said that Darcy is a “shy man, yet he is simultaneously quite conceited due to his high social status.” Darcy is torn between love and social status, he said. Along with doing theatre, Gabe also sings in the chorus and writes for the Troubadour Literary Club.

Pascal Portney

In the show, Pascal plays Mr. Bingley, a friend of Mr. Darcy who also gets mixed in with the Bennet family. Pascal is a big fan of the dancing in the show and he also likes the complexity of the characters and their relations. He says he really likes Mr. Bingley, even going so far as calling him lovely, because he is a gentleman and always kind. Pascal is also heavily involved with North Penn’s music program, taking part in chamber singers, the concert band, and the chorus.

Val Smith

Val plays Jane Bennet, the sister to Elizabeth. Val thinks the storyline is “so wonderful and the characters are very relatable.” She was also surprised at how funny the play could be. About Jane, Val said that she soft and gentle in everything, which can be quite a challenge to portray without sounding too sappy. Val is also the president of the Gay-Straight Alliance and coordinator of Broadway Cares.

Nathan Borzillo

Nathan is Mr. Bennet in the show. Mr. Bennet is the father of Elizabeth and Jane, as well as three other daughters. He likes the shows realism and his ability to identify with his character. He is “interested by Bennet’s subtle sense of humor and his method as a father.” Nathan’s only other activity is the Thespian Troupe.

Abagael Bergey

Mrs. Bennet, played be Abagael, is especially close to her daughter, Lydia. Abagael thinks Pride and Prejudice has a really good plot. She likes the “total opposite love story” and how it plays out a bit like a mystery. She loves playing Mrs. Bennet because she is hilarious, outgoing, and pushy. She says Mrs. Bennet keeps the energy up. Abagael is also in the chorus and Thespian Troupe.

The play opens tonight at 7:30 and continues at the same time until Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

And to all the cast – break a leg.