Jane Austen's "Persuasion"

ROSS VALLEY PLAYERS continues the celebration of their 85th season with the North Bay premiere of Jane Austen’s final and most nuanced novel, Persuasion, brought to life in a new adaptation by Marin native Jennifer LeBlanc. Persuasion is a story that has the wit, intelligence, and keen social satire expected from Austen and so much more. Winner of the 2013 “Standout New Works Award” for its premiere production by the Silicon Valley Small Theater Association. Karen D’Souza of the San Jose Mercury News says of the adaptation, “Slyly adapted by playwright Jennifer Le Blanc, Persuasion rings with Austen’s customary elegance and wit, the spirit of independent thinking that made her one of the greatest novelists of her day.”

Twenty-seven year old Anne Elliot (Robyn Grahn) is the overlooked middle daughter of the vain Sir Walter Elliot (Steve Price), an arrogant baron who spends excessive amounts of money. Eight years before the story properly begins, Anne is happily engaged to a naval officer, Frederick Wentworth (Gregg LeBlanc), but she suddenly breaks off the engagement when persuaded by her friend Lady Russell (Rachel Kayhan) that such a match with a penniless man is unworthy. The breakup produces in Anne a deep and long-lasting regret. Wentworth reenters Anne's life when Sir Walter is forced by his own financial irresponsibility to rent out Kellynch Hall, the family estate. Kellynch's tenants turn out to be none other than Wentworth's sister, Sophia (Ellen Brooks), and her husband, the recently retired Admiral Croft (Clay David). Wentworth, who has just returned from sea, is now a rich and successful captain and has never forgiven Anne for rejecting him. While publicly declaring that he is ready to marry any suitable young woman who catches his fancy, he privately resolves that he is ready to become attached to any appealing young woman with the exception of Anne. All the tension of Persuasion revolves around one question: Will Anne and Wentworth be reunited in their love? Persuasion is directed by Mary Ann Rodgers, and produced by Madge Grahn.

Persuasion cast: Amanda Belscamper as Mary, Ross Berger as Harville, Ellen Brooks as Mrs. Sophia Croft, Jayme Catalano as Elizabeth, Pamela Ciochetti as Mrs. Musgrove, Clay David as Mr. Shepherd and Admiral Croft, Robyn Grahn as Anne, Derek Jepsen as Charles, Rachel Kayhan as Lady Russell, Gregg LeBlanc as Frederick Wentworth, Emily Ludlow as Louisa, John Nolan as Valet, Shawn Oda as Mrs. Clay and Mrs. Smith, Steve Price as Sir Walter Elliot, Anne Ripley as Lady Dalrymple, Jocelyn Roddie as Henrietta, and Peter Warden as Benwick and Mr. Elliot.

(Please note there is no matinee on Sunday, November 16.) SPECIAL: There will be 2 PM and 8 PM performances on Saturday, December 13.

Audience members are invited to participate in “Talkback” with the director and actors after the matinee performance on Sunday, December 7. Buzz at the Barn, a pre-show cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres and wine, will take place on Saturday, November 15 at 7PM.

Now in its 85th year, Ross Valley Players, a non-profit arts organization, is the oldest continually operating community theater on the West Coast. Created in 1930 as a way to escape the hardships of the Depression, Ross Valley Players has introduced live theater to thousands of Marin residents over the years. Each year, RVP presents a regular season of six full productions, running a total of 30 weeks. RVP offers special events and short-term productions outside the regular season. Plays include recent Broadway material, popular plays, classic theater, and a selection of works by well-known playwrights from around the world. RVP features all genres: comedy, drama, mysteries, and musicals. Their Ross Alternative Works (RAW) program presents short run, minimal set productions of original scripts by Bay Area playwrights in two festivals each season.

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