Tri-School Productions' Sense & Sensibility opens this week! The Cast & Crew have been working hard for months to present their playful new adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel. Nine Mercy students were cast in the production, including one of the lead roles, Elinor Dashwood, being played by sophomore Mia Faillace. The story follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters—sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne—after their father's sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. Set in gossipy late 18th-century England, with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humor, emotional depth, and bold theatricality.
Below, Mia answers our questions about the 're-boot', playing an iconic character, the Tri-School Productions family, and more! Tickets are on sale now on the Tri-School productions website or here.
How is the 're-boot' different from the original?
I had gone into the role thinking it would be similar if not the same as Emma Thompson's interpretation, but as I started to discover the character more, I learned that she is quite different. I think the story as a whole has its similarities and differences, such as the gossips, which bring a lot of life to the production, and the interpretations that everyone is bringing to their roles.
What is it like playing Elinor? Can you relate to her?
Playing Elinor Dashwood has been such a privilege. She is unlike any role I have played, and I have been doing theatre since preschool. Elinor is a young woman with the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is very kept together and sensible. Unlike her sister, Marianne, she hides her feelings from everyone, and tries her best to support her sister and her family. I find it pretty easy to relate in some ways, considering high school is stressful and I'm balancing all my responsibilities. Though I can relate to some of Elinor's personality traits, I think we vary in most instances, which has made this discovery a little challenging but also more fun. I have found I relate more to Marianne.
Though the play is set in a different century, are there themes that are relevant today?
I think this show really demonstrates the struggles the women had to face in the 1800's. Though women aren't struggling with the same obstacles today, we still are struggling. I think that over the years we as Women really have proven that we are worth fighting for, so it is really empowering to play a young woman who starts to realize that and acts on it. One of my favorite scenes in the show is between Elinor and Willoughby, One of Marianne's love interests. This is one of the first times we see Elinor really step up and put a man, who has done wrong, in his place. As a teen in our day and age getting to play a woman who in her time period stand up to a man, is really eye opening and a privilege to get to bring to the Tri-School Stage.
What do you hope theater-goers will get out of the performance?
I hope that theatre-goers, not only adults, but students from other schools notice how much time and effort went into this show and that Tri-School Productions is a group of very passionate and dedicated performers. Our cast and crew care about how we present ourselves on stage which comes with being serious about our craft, and that goes without saying how much fun we have not only during rehearsals but also the actual performances.
What do you like most about being part of Tri-School Productions?
I love the dynamic of Tri-School Productions and how welcoming everyone is. In every sense it is a family, and I am so glad I found them. From the directors to the students, I have never witnessed or have been a part of something like this, and I have been doing theatre since preschool. Everyone is extremely supportive of one another and it has been a gift and privilege to be able to work alongside the amazing young women and men in the 3 Tri-School Productions that I have participated in.