The Wickhams
In this delightful companion play to Miss Bennet, Gunderson and Melcon once again bring Austen’s beloved characters to the stage for a yuletide sequel to Pride and Prejudice. While Miss Bennet depicted the newly wed Darcy’s Christmas gathering on the ground floor of Pemberley, The Wickhams takes audiences to the downstairs servants’ quarters for that same celebration. Mrs. Reynolds, a no-nonsense housekeeper; Cassie, an eager new maid; and Brian, a lovesick footman, are bustling with preparations for holiday guests. But their work is interrupted by the midnight arrival of the definitely not invited Mr. Wickham - Lydia’s rogue of a husband and Mr. Darcy’s sworn enemy. The Wickhams is a charming holiday tale that explores the confines of class and the generosity of forgiveness.
Characters (3M, 4F):
MRS. REYNOLDS - late 50s - The housekeeper at Pemberley knows all and sees all, has been on staff since Darcy was a child, a mother figure to the household
BRIAN - 20s - A footman, in love with technology and inventions, sincere and earnest, perhaps a bit arrogant.
CASSIE - 18 - The new housemaid, a village girl, an orphan who came from less than nothing. The opportunity to work at Pemberley means security she has never had, and she takes this job very seriously. She is sometimes too eager and a bit headstrong.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY - 30 - Head and owner of Pemberley
ELIZABETH DARCY - 22 - Mistress of Pemberley
GEORGE WICKHAM - 25 - Grew up at Pemeberley, son of the former steward, once a soldier, has been in and out of trouble (of his own making) his whole life.
LYDIA WICKHAM - 17 - A bright, warm, and charming personality, if sometimes a bit much, eloped with Wickham at 15 and is now somewhat trapped in this marriage.