The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley

Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson

Can you believe the holiday season has almost come and gone? In our household, we hold off

on decorating for Christmas, playing carols, and watching our favorite holiday movies until after

Thanksgiving. Once our home is fully decked out, we begin searching for live performances in

our area that spread holiday cheer to audiences. There's something exhilarating about live

theater; unlike movies and television, there are no second takes. At any moment, something

unexpected might happen, and the actors, technicians, and audience are all in it together.

Sharing these moments with fellow audience members fosters a unique sense of camaraderie.

In Ellenville, audiences can visit Shadowland Stages through December 22 to see The

Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley, by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon.

Shadowland Stages was established in 1985 by a group of 30 theater artists who relocated from

New York City to Ellenville, NY. They acquired the aging 1920s art deco vaudeville/movie

theater, which boasts over 400 seats. Since then, it has become a vibrant hub for live theater,

showcasing the undeniable talent of our region.

The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley is a delightful sequel to last year’s holiday success,

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. It transports audiences back to the world of Jane

Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, offering a festive twist from the perspective of the servants

downstairs at Pemberley. This production brings warmth, humor, and a touch of holiday scandal

to the stage. When Mr. Wickham, the charming troublemaker and old adversary of Mr. Darcy,

makes an unexpected appearance, the servants at Pemberley find themselves juggling their

holiday responsibilities, personal aspirations, and the challenge of maintaining peace. With the

assistance of Mrs. Reynolds, the dependable housekeeper; Cassie, the spirited new servant;

and Brian, the hopelessly romantic groomsman, the holiday bustle at Pemberley evolves into a

heartfelt journey of family, class, and forgiveness—all wrapped in the spirit of giving.

“It is a joy to be able to bring this production to the stage,” shares Brittany Proia, Shadowland

Stages Managing Director. “The Wickhams is a fresh take on characters from the Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice universe, but it truly has something for everyone, for both Austen lovers and

those in search of heartwarming holiday stories. With so much to do in the Hudson Valley over

the holidays, I hope that a show at Shadowland can become a family holiday tradition with

locals and visitors alike!”

Under the direction of Shadowland Stages Artistic Director Brendan Burke, audiences will be

thrilled to see familiar faces, including Ben Williamson as Mr. Darcy, Melody Ladd as ElizabethBennet, and Lena Pepe as Lydia Bennet. Joining them is Shadowland Stages favorite Kathy McCafferty, along with newcomers Christina Rose Yasi, Jacob Orr, and Nicholas Wilder.

This fresh holiday tale will is the perfect way to close out the 2024 holiday season and prepare to ring in the new year.

If you go:
The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley
Shadowland Stages, 157 Canal St, Ellenville, NY 12428
Through December 22, 2024
Time: Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
Contact: (845) 647-5511
www.shadowlandstages.org