One of the most popular novels in English literature, Pride and Prejudice, comes to the stage at The Center for the Arts. Performances begin March 2 and end March 11.

Pride and Prejudice is adapted and directed by Natalie Quinn, who was assistant director of CFTA's award winning production of The Pirates of Penzance last August. Pride and Prejudice will feature a cast of 24 volunteer actors performing Jane Austen's classic romantic comedy set in 19th century England.

Natalie shares, "Pride and Prejudice is a comedy of manners that is a classic because it highlights social customs and issues during the 1800s for men and women. A man's job was to provide for his family, and a woman's job was to marry a rich husband. A mother's job was to be sure her daughters were taken care of and that her sons married good girls of elevated rank. In other words, it was a social mess! The story of Elizabeth Bennet, the girl who held out for true love, is a comedy with hilarious characters and ruthless villains with sharp wits and sharper tongues. It is a classic because it tells us of an age that we are happy to see gone, though we sometimes yearn for good English country dancing."

Following the success of sold out runs of A Christmas Carol, Hairspray, and Spamalot, CFTA anticipates sold out shows and have added 2 pm matinees on both Saturdays of this two-weekend production.

"This version of Pride and Prejudice is almost metatheatre and satire," explains Natalie. "If you like Jane Austen a little, but find her a bit stuffy, you'll enjoy this production. If you love Jane Austen and know the story backwards and forwards, you'll laugh more than you ever have at a Jane Austen production. If you love zombies, check out Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, March 7 and 8 at 8 pm. Same show. New zombies. :) It's hilarious to watch zombies dance."

Show patrons who attend Pride and Prejudice and Zombies in zombie costume receive two free concessions items at intermission. Tickets for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies are $10 general admission.

Tickets for both Pride and Prejudice and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies are on sale now at boroarts.org or by calling 615-904-ARTS (2787)