Photo by Braden Dempster

Lindsey Newell, performance junior who plays Elizabeth Bennett, and Wes Aderhold, performance senior who plays Mr. Darcy, perform in the play "Pride & Prejudice" at the final dress rehearsal Thursday night at the Weitzenhoffer Theatre. Braden Dempster/The Daily

“Pride and Prejudice” is the kind of production you’d take your grandma to. I don’t mean that in a derogatory way, it’s just that a theater adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel is nice, safe and pleasant. And not very interesting.

I respect Austen’s work, and I don’t mind sitting through the film adaptations of her novel, but the University Theatre production of “Pride and Prejudice” was a dull, languishing three hours without the benefit of strong performances where they needed to be. The play will continue to run in the Weitzenhoffer Theatre through Nov. 23.

There are supporting characters with substantial parts in the play, but the success of “Pride and Prejudice” hinges on the performance of the leads. The romance of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet is the crux of the story – it must crackle with the conflict of the two strong-willed personalities, and it must sparkle with a sense of fierce romance. The opening night production did neither. It had all the crack and spark of a wet blanket.

Drama senior Wes Aderhold stars as Mr. Darcy, and while he managed to achieve the aloofness that is key to Darcy’s character, the corresponding charm was nowhere to be found. It was hard to believe that any manifestation of Elizabeth Bennet would fall for Aderhold’s Darcy. At least half of his performance consisted of a blank-faced Abercrombie model stare, and although I’m sure he’s a capable actor, he just looked bored on Friday night.

Similarly, drama junior Lindsey Newell didn’t seem right for the role of the feisty Elizabeth. Newell was much too restrained in her performance, and although she was able to conjure up some romantic chemistry between her and Aderhold, it was nowhere near convincing enough. When the two finally did kiss, it was the first real romantic gesture between them, and it rang hollow.

Fortunately, there were several performances that livened up the play, ensuring at least a few punctuated moments of entertainment in what was otherwise a plodding experience.

Drama graduate student Cassidy Elms excelled as the high-strung Mrs. Bennet, and her frequent emotional outbursts never failed to elicit hearty laughs from the crowd. Elms is a gifted comic talent, and her presence is always welcome in University Theatre productions.

Drama junior Cody Mayo was also excellent as the earnest Mr. Bingley, and his romance with Jane Bennet (drama sophomore Aimee Crowther) easily upstaged the main act.

Technically, “Pride and Prejudice” was hit or miss. The costume design by costume design junior Christopher Harris was outstanding, but the dance choreography was lackluster at best. The play makes extensive use of dance, as many scenes take place at a ball, but few of the actors seemed very well prepared.

“Pride and Prejudice” is easily the weakest effort put forth by University Theatre so far this year, but its biggest problem is that it’s a bit tedious, not terrible. But if you take Grandma, I’m sure she’ll love it.

2.5/5 stars