Ben Erickson, Ed Chavez, and Jesse Graff Photo by Broken Chain

Hamill is known for innovative, contemporary adaptations of classic novels for the stage, also including Jane Austen's Emma and Pride and Prejudice; William Makepeace Thackeray's Vanity Fair, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, and Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. Hamill creates dramas that are female-centered and feminist. As a playwright, she has a playful and theatrical style that features absurdity while examining social and gender issues. Director Dunne has chosen to add visual and audio touches of modernity to the show.

There is much to like about this production. As Elinor Dashwood, Mariah Montoya centers the show with her very sensible interpretation of the classic heroine. Her sister Marianne Dashwood is played by Robyn Casper as the more feeling or "sensibility" governed of the two. I found Ms. Montoya to be remarkably effective and well-spoken with a controlled portrayal. Ms. Casper is over-the-top in her interpretation of Marianne and resorts to screaming too often. But both of the sisters are excellent and convey the relationship of loving sisters with finesse.

The men of this production are strong. Ed Chavez is outstanding as Edward Ferrars and his brother Robert Ferrars. The differences between them are enhanced by excellent physical acting. Ben Erickson, as John Willoughby, is disingenuous and romantic as he should be. Jesse Graff as Colonel Brandon is bold and also humble with a commanding voice.

Most of the rest of the cast do double duty with specific roles and as members of the Greek Chorus called "gossips." Actually, the play begins with some of the gossips introducing this theatrical convention as a comment on the morals and behaviors of the time. Inventive use of large hand fans with captions on them are snapped and furled with fervor. It is a jarring opening that sets the tone of the play. This is not a stogy Sense and Sensibility. Some of early slapstick by the gossips seems too much too soon.

A standout in the cast is veteran actress Jane C. Walsh. Her Mrs. Jennings is a joy to watch as she commands the stage with her regal struts and beautifully trained voice. Her costumes, by Louisa O'Neill, are also excellent and fit her perfectly.

This brings us to the work of the creatives for this production. Not all of the costumes by Louisa O'Neill are as well done as that of Mrs. Jennings. The modern touches of the sneakers and other accessories are acceptable, but ill-fitting pieces are not. No doubt many of the costumes were pulled from stock, but a cohesive costume plan is important to any show. I could find no credit for property design, but the fans used by the gossips deserve a nod of approval.

The set design by Genevieve Noel demonstrates clever use of the Vortex space; it allows for a maximum playing area for the action that includes dancing and a fight scene. Some of the painting and the decorative elements are confusing. The floor cobblestones and wood are done well, but to what end? The curtains on the upstage playing area are an odd choice. The furniture that is moved around a great deal is necessary to the action and the frenetic pace of the play, but needs to be more intentional and choreographed. Some of the lighting by Lapis Kesselring seems precise and some seems off. The sound design by director Bridget Dunne and Riley Lewis includes period and non-period music and wonderful environmental sound effects that enhance the atmosphere and action of the play.

Perhaps some of the incongruities were planned to be in service of the madcap and modern interpretation of the playwright and the director. The cast did not seem to have settled into the second act as well as the first at the performance I attended. The ending was rushed and jarring. First night jitters could have contributed to some of this.

This is overall a well-mounted production. With a running time of over two and a half hours with one intermission, the pace is kept brisk and the time flies by. The comedic moments keep the action light. This is a Jane Austen experience for Austen fans and for all ages.

Sense and Sensibility runs through May 17, 2026, at the Vortex Theatre, 2900 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm. And Sundays at 2:00 pm. General Admission tickets are $26.00, Discounted tickets are $21.00. For information: www.vortexabq.org or 505 247 8600.

Directed by Bridget S. Dunne, Assistant Director- Colyn Morris, Set Designer-Genevieve Noel, Lighting Designer-Lapis Kesselring, Costume Designer-Louisa O'Neill

The Cast: Emiliano Aguilar, Robyn Casper, Michelle Charisse, Ed Chavez, Ben Erickson, Jesse Graff, Yolanda Luchetti Knight, Jesse Liesveld, Mariah Montoya, Colyn Morris, Emma Tyrell, and Jane C. Walsh.