City Theatre Opens ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’; Kelly Strayhorn Theater Has Suite Life Fundraiser (Sat., 11/25/23)

MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY (comedy) by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, directed by Kyle Haden. City Theatre. November 25 – December 17.

1) Mary, the bookish middle sister of the five Bennet sisters whose “high station” antics comprise most of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, celebrates Christmas at the palatial estate of her brother-in-law, Fitzwilliam Darcy, married now to Elizabeth. The story unfolds two years after the conclusion of Austen’s 1813 novel. All of the Bennets, Darcys and Bingleys are flitting around somewhere when an unexpected guest is welcomed into the festive fray. Mary manages to lift her nose from a book to take notice. If, indeed, she “admires the activity of [the man’s] benevolence,” she certainly intends not to “depreciate the pleasures.”  Which is all to suggest that City Theatre’s holiday offering is steeped––like a welcome cup of Earl Grey––in the rich and restorative joys of Jane Austen’s classic world. 5:30 p.m. 1300 Bingham St., South Side. (C.P.O.)

2) The Kelly Strayhorn Theater is honoring their namesakes, 20th century entertainment legends, and Pittsburghers, Billy Strayhorn and Gene Kelly tonight at their annual benefit concert, Suite Life. This theatrical jazz benefit concert features music director and pianist Dr. Alton Merrell, and band members: Dwayne Dolphin (bass), James Johnson III (drum), and Colter Harper (guitar). The program features jazz singer and Billy Strayhorn aficionado Joshua Banbury, along with Suite Life veterans kelsey jumper and Treasure Treasure. Media artist Scott Andrew, and lighting designer Madeleine Steineck will create an amazing visual experience. For more information see the Kelly Strayhorn Theater event page. 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty. (R.H.)

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