REVIEW: CCM’s ‘Pride & Prejudice’ Splendid Design and Perfomances

A fun, heartwarming way to spend an evening or afternoon transported to the Romantic Regency Era.

By Chase Johnson

University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music’s (CCM) Acting Program brings Pride and Prejudice to life with a witty, high-energy production that even managed to win over this self-proclaimed Jane Austen skeptic. I’ve never been much of a fan of Austen’s novels—too many aristocratic dilemmas, too little real danger; as a male, I have a hard time connecting. But this cast and crew made me care about Darcy, the Bennets, and the rebellious young hearts of 18th-century England who dared to defy social convention in pursuit of love. Director Susan Felder has assembled a heartwarming production of this adaptation by Joseph Hanreddy and J. R. Sullivan.

Cast members of CCM’s Pride & Prejudice, running Oct. 2-4, 2025 at CCM’s Patricia Corbett Theatre.

Plot of Pride & Prejudice

In a nutshell, the story revolves around Elizabeth Bennett, one of five sisters needing to find a suitable match before their father’s estate passes to a distant relative. She is a clever young woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. When she meets the proud and wealthy Mr. Darcy, sparks fly, but not the romantic kind, at least at first. Through misunderstandings, family drama, and unexpected moments of honesty, the two discover that love often requires seeing past first impressions.

Strong Performances

This cast does an excellent job bringing the world of the play to life. Every single member of this company deserves praise, but I will highlight a few. Carson Mehlbauer as Collins dominates every single scene he is in as the pompous vicar. His physicality and movement are ethereal and stumbling. Mehlbauer’s delivery is hilarious and I can safely say he is a very gifted physical comic.

Bryce Nevison’s Darcy initially comes off as cold and calculating, but as the show goes on shows first a bit of awkward humor and then a great deal of humanity. While his role is not as outwardly funny as some of the others, Darcy’s sheer awkwardness provides a lot of comic relief. Especially in those scenes where he is meant to be serious and taken seriously. Nevison displays an excellent presence and cold superiority that makes the few scenes between him and Wickham (Nikolas Gray) very tense and more than a bit threatening. Finally, Mallory Bolser as Elizabeth Bennet deserves praise. She’s smart, funny and throws fire into nearly every part of her performance. She fits the role excellently.

Cast members of CCM’s Pride & Prejudice, running Oct. 2-4, 2025 at CCM’s Patricia Corbett Theatre.

The Production Team

The set invokes an old manor house and with a rotating stage can be made to give the appearance of a ballroom, a study, and a garden rather easily. Scenic Designer Taylor Helms, Lighting Designer Ben Niemczyk, and Sound Designer Nick Feldmann all contribute to the world and mood of each scene. Their choices collectively convey the emotions of each character and their romances and failures.

Costumes and hair are both an excellent selling point as well. Everything looks period accurate. Conceptual Costume Designer Rachel Luneke, Associate Costume Designer Sadie Holt, Hair & Make-Up Designer M O’Donnell all have adorned their actors well. A great deal of detail and care went into each character’s costume.

Carson Mehlbauer and cast members of CCM’s Pride & Prejudice, running Oct. 2-4, 2025 at CCM’s Patricia Corbett Theatre.

The Bottom Line

You should see this show for several reasons. First it supports young artists and one of the region’s finest education theater programs. Second, at 2 hours and 15 minutes it’s a fun, heartwarming way to spend an evening or afternoon transported to the Romantic Regency Era.

Cast members of CCM’s Pride & Prejudice, running Oct. 2-4, 2025 at CCM’s Patricia Corbett Theatre.

Get Tickets to CCM’s Pride & Prejudice

Pride & Prejudice runs Oct. 2-4, 2025, in the Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets: $36 adult, $20 student, $15 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student; group discounts available. Purchase tickets online at https://ccmonstage.uc.edu.

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