TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Presents A Romance for the Holidays: “Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley”
by Ron Friedenthal
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley returns to the world of Jane Austen with the warm, witty, and heartfelt holiday tale “Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley”, directed by Giovanna Sardelli. It currently performs through December 28, 2025 at Lucie Stern Theatre (1305 Middlefield Road) in Palo Alto, CA.
Set in the early 1800’s with wonderful staging and costumes, this charming yuletide performance takes a more modern look at friendship, selfhood and feminist empowerment. Perfect for the entire family and appropriate the holiday season, this adventure keeps the audience’s attention with the myriad of family relationships, for which one can certainly relate.
The social interactions of the British Regency Era, with the expectations of rules related to gender interactions in formal situations, I found to be especially enjoyable.
“Georgiana and Kitty’s” character development, to the audience’s delight, explores the main characters’ growth as strong, empowered women in an era when society did not give such choice to their gender. A surprising twist, which I will not reveal, brings a satisfying conclusion to the story.
Perfect for the entire family, this charming adventure features favorite characters from Pride and Prejudice, focusing on Mr. Darcy’s sister, accomplished pianist Georgiana, and one of the youngest Bennet sisters, eternal optimist Kitty. Tired of living in the shadow of their siblings’ romantic affairs, the pair of friends are eager to begin their own journeys in life and love, initiated by an admirer’s visit to the Pemberly Estate.
A talented cast has been assembled to bring these beloved characters to life. Emily Ota returns to TheatreWorks as Georgiana Darcy while Kushi Beauchamp makes her TheatreWorks mainstage debut as Kitty Bennet. Amanda Pulcini returns to TheatreWorks as a different Bennet sister, Elizabeth Darcy, who is hosting her family for the holidays at Pemberley estate. Jenny Nguyen Nelson also returns to TheatreWorks, as Lydia Wickham, Kitty’s younger sister, while Monique Hafen Adams returns to TheatreWorks ass Jane Bingley, Kitty’s eldest sister. Meanwhile, Maria Marquis makes her TheatreWorks debut as Mary Bennet, Kitty’s bookish sister.
Nima Rakhshanifar makes their TheatreWorks debut as Henry, a sky and sincere suitor who has caught Georgiana’s attention, while William Thomas Hodgson returns to TheatreWorks as Thomas, Henry’s good-natured friend. Jordan Lane Shappell returns to TheatreWorks as Fitzwilliam Darcy, Georgiana’s brother.
Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley features scenic design by Andrea Bechert, costume design by Cathleen Edwards, lighting design by Spense Matubang, sound design by James Are, and wig design by Roxie Johnson.
Audiences are certain to stay engaged through both acts of the play. I high recommend Georgiana and Kitty as an opportunity for all family members as it is a great holiday option.
For tickets or more information please visit TheatreWorks.org or phone 877-662-8978.
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Photo caption: Lizzy (Amanda Pulcini), Lydia (Jenny Nguyen Nelson), Kitty (Kushi Beauchamp), Georgiana (Emily Ota), Mary (Maria Marquis), and Jane (Monique Hafen Adams) reunite for the holidays in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s “Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley,” currently performing through December 28, 2025. (Photo credit: Kevin Berne)