Sense and Sensibility adapted by Jon Jory

(14)
Productions (72)
Romance
|
90 - 100 minutes
8 W, 8 M,  (13-16 actors possible: 7-8 W, 6-8 M)
Set: Bare stage with rolling doors and movable furniture.

Sisters Elinor and Marianne find themselves captivated by two very different men in this lively and dynamic adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel. Sensible Elinor is charmed by the quiet, bumbling goodness of Edward, while passionate Marianne is swept off of her feet by the dashing and mysterious Willoughby. But when Willoughby's scandalous past and Edward's secret fiancee come to light, the sisters are forced to rely upon themselves and one another to weather their heartache -- and learn that when sense and sensibility meet, love can't be far behind.

Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $85
Standard Edition $13.99
eScript Digital Edition $17.5
Stage Manager Edition $24.99
Archival Video License $150

*The per performance fee begins at $85. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.

eScript Digital editions when purchased as a retail item cannot be printed or downloaded. They are for reading on personal computer, or tablet devices (phones, iPads, Kobo, Sony, etc.). It can viewed on up to 5 individual devices. When an escript is purchased as part of a license, please email [email protected] to receive your printable PDF.


Playscripts is pleased to offer an Archival Video License for an additional $150 for full-length plays and $75 for one-act plays.

Play Details

Sisters Elinor and Marianne find themselves captivated by two very different men in this lively and dynamic adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel. Sensible Elinor is charmed by the quiet, bumbling goodness of Edward, while passionate Marianne is swept off of her feet by the dashing and mysterious Willoughby. But when Willoughby's scandalous past and Edward's secret fiancee come to light, the sisters are forced to rely upon themselves and one another to weather their heartache -- and learn that when sense and sensibility meet, love can't be far behind.

  • Romance
  • |
  • 90 - 100 minutes
  • 8 W, 8 M,  (13-16 actors possible: 7-8 W, 6-8 M)
  • Set: Bare stage with rolling doors and movable furniture.
  • Standard Edition ISBN: 978-1-62384-048-8

Published Reviews

"[Has] a freshness, speed and immediacy that, while always in sync with the humor, sentiments and manners of Austen's late 18th century English country-and-city society, gives the storytelling a contemporary energy that is downright irresistible. ...Flows like an effortlessly danced gavotte, finding just the right balance between formality, playfulness and the real pain that invariably accompanies love and hope."

Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

"With his truly excellent new adaptation... Jon Jory takes the best of both approaches to life and art... managing to dramatize this complex tale without recourse to a narrator. Jory sets himself a much harder, self-directed task: theatricalize those inner feelings and tell the story in 150 minutes, but remain true to the novel in such a way that Austen fans will appreciate. He achieves this quite magnificently, mostly through a combination of keeping the story moving as it floats across southern England and the various suitors ebb and flow, and very cleverly skipping ahead in scenes so that we get to the good stuff. He knows when to wallow, and when to dip in and out. Time and again, Jory collapses time in a way that surprises you -- and that varied piece keeps the action intensely arresting throughout."

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

"Adapter and director Jon Jory, formerly of the Actors Theatre of Louisville, faithfully preserves Austen's singular dialogue and the integrity of her estimable heroines. His sprightly production is notable for its solid storytelling...an estimable incarnation of the 1811 novel."

Barbara Vitello, Daily Herald (Chicago)

"Jane Austen turned her hand to dramatic adaptation on at least one occasion...the novelist would likely approve of Jory's efforts, which deftly turn her 1811 fable about the Dashwood sisters into a quick-moving and sprightly comedy. The adapter wisely forgoes any attempt to transfer Austen's inimitable narrative voice, trusting in her canny sense of character and incident to convey the story's wry insight and emotional depth."

John Beer, Time Out Chicago

"Jory's adaptation smooths some sharp edges...he admirably captures the book's humor, spirit, and social comment, relying heavily on Austen's own dialogue but taking care to break the story into bits of action rather than chunks of prose so that it feels like we're watching a play and not an audiobook with costumes."

Zac Thompson, Chicago Reader

"Jon Jory's text...is a miracle of storytelling efficiency, whisking us from one locale to the next with the breathless expediency of the action delineated within...those paying attention will have no trouble following the lovers' thorny trail to a satisfactory accord."

Mary Shen Barnidge, Windy City Times (Chicago)

Production History

APR 05, 2024 - APR 14, 2024
Boerne Community Theatre
Boerne, TX United States
Boerne Community Theatre Boerne, TX United States
MAR 15, 2024 - MAR 16, 2024
University Preparatory School
Redding, CA United States
University Preparatory School Redding, CA United States
OCT 27, 2023 - OCT 28, 2023
Bangor Area Homeschool Players
Hermon, ME United States
Bangor Area Homeschool Players Hermon, ME United States
OCT 27, 2023 - NOV 12, 2023
Knoxville Children's Theatre
Knoxville, TN United States
Knoxville Children's Theatre Knoxville, TN United States
APR 01, 2023 - APR 30, 2023
Young Musicians of Virginia
Virginia Beach, VA United States
Young Musicians of Virginia Virginia Beach, VA United States
OCT 28, 2022 - OCT 30, 2022
Green Hill High School
Mount Juliet, TN United States
Green Hill High School Mount Juliet, TN United States
MAY 12, 2022 - MAY 12, 2022
The Wilberforce School
Princeton, NJ United States
The Wilberforce School Princeton, NJ United States
APR 28, 2022 - APR 29, 2022
Trinity Christian School
Prescott, AZ United States
Trinity Christian School Prescott, AZ United States
OCT 28, 2021 - MAY 31, 2022
Nordic Drama Corner Oy
Hämeenlinna, Finland
Nordic Drama Corner Oy Hämeenlinna, Finland
APR 09, 2021 - APR 18, 2021
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC United States
Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte, NC United States
FEB 06, 2021 - FEB 07, 2021
Forge Theatre
Phoenixville, PA United States
Forge Theatre Phoenixville, PA United States
MAY 01, 2020 - MAY 02, 2020
Great Hearts Northern Oaks
San Antonio, TX United States
Great Hearts Northern Oaks San Antonio, TX United States
JUL 18, 2019 - JUL 19, 2019
Encore Stage & Studio
Arlington, VA United States
Encore Stage & Studio Arlington, VA United States
MAR 07, 2019 - MAR 09, 2019
Concordia High School
Concordia, KS United States
Concordia High School Concordia, KS United States
NOV 16, 2018 - NOV 17, 2018
North East School district
North East, PA United States
North East School district North East, PA United States
NOV 02, 2018 - NOV 18, 2018
Olathe Civic Theatre Association (OCTA)
Olathe, KS United States
Olathe Civic Theatre Association (OCTA) Olathe, KS United States
MAY 18, 2018 - JUN 03, 2018
Flock Theatre
New London, CT United States
Flock Theatre New London, CT United States
APR 19, 2018 - APR 22, 2018
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Gulfport, MS United States
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Gulfport, MS United States
MAR 07, 2018 - MAR 10, 2018
Morgan High School
McConnelsville, OH United States
Morgan High School McConnelsville, OH United States
NOV 17, 2017 - DEC 10, 2017
Wheaton Drama Inc.
Wheaton, IL United States
Wheaton Drama Inc. Wheaton, IL United States
OCT 27, 2017 - OCT 28, 2017
Oldenburg Academy
Oldenburg, IN United States
Oldenburg Academy Oldenburg, IN United States
JUL 07, 2017 - JUL 09, 2017
St. John's Teen Drama Club
Front Royal, VA United States
St. John's Teen Drama Club Front Royal, VA United States
MAY 12, 2017 - MAY 21, 2017
The Heritage Players
Pittsburgh, PA United States
The Heritage Players Pittsburgh, PA United States
APR 28, 2017 - MAY 06, 2017
COVE Co-op
Redford, MI United States
COVE Co-op Redford, MI United States
FEB 10, 2017 - FEB 26, 2017
Theatre Memphis
Memphis, TN United States
Theatre Memphis Memphis, TN United States
NOV 11, 2016 - NOV 20, 2016
Twin City Stage, INc
Winston Salem, NC United States
Twin City Stage, INc Winston Salem, NC United States
OCT 28, 2016 - NOV 19, 2016
Metro Theatre
Vancouver, BC Canada
Metro Theatre Vancouver, BC Canada
JUN 11, 2016 - JUL 23, 2016
Brisbane Arts Theatre
Brisbane, QLD Australia
Brisbane Arts Theatre Brisbane, QLD Australia
MAY 13, 2016 - MAY 29, 2016
Jonesborough Repertory Theatre
jonesborough, TN United States
Jonesborough Repertory Theatre jonesborough, TN United States
APR 28, 2016 - APR 30, 2016
Cambridge High School
Milton, GA United States
Cambridge High School Milton, GA United States
APR 21, 2016 - APR 23, 2016
Covenant College Theatre Department
Lookout Mountain, GA United States
Covenant College Theatre Department Lookout Mountain, GA United States
FEB 12, 2016 - FEB 13, 2016
Bob Jones University
Greenville, SC United States
Bob Jones University Greenville, SC United States
JAN 29, 2016 - JAN 30, 2016
SALT Academy
Gresham, OR United States
SALT Academy Gresham, OR United States
JUL 02, 2015 - JUL 12, 2015
Livermore Shakespeare Festival
Livermore, CA United States
Livermore Shakespeare Festival Livermore, CA United States
JUL 02, 2015 - JUL 19, 2015
Livermore Shakespeare Festival
Livermore, CA United States
Livermore Shakespeare Festival Livermore, CA United States
MAY 29, 2015 - MAY 31, 2015
Notre Dame Academy - Hingham
Hingham, MA United States
Notre Dame Academy - Hingham Hingham, MA United States
APR 10, 2015 - APR 11, 2015
Bridgeport International Academy
Bridgeport, CT United States
Bridgeport International Academy Bridgeport, CT United States
MAR 27, 2015 - MAY 03, 2015
Annapolis Shakespeare Company
Annapolis, MD United States
Annapolis Shakespeare Company Annapolis, MD United States
MAR 20, 2015 - APR 05, 2015
Woodford Theatre
Versailles, KY United States
Woodford Theatre Versailles, KY United States
SEP 25, 2014 - SEP 27, 2014
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK United States
Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant, OK United States
JUL 04, 2014 - JUL 04, 2014
Williams Lake Studio Theatre
Kamloops, BC Canada
Williams Lake Studio Theatre Kamloops, BC Canada
JUN 29, 2014 - JUN 30, 2014
Williams Lake Studio Theatre
Williams Lake, BC Canada
Williams Lake Studio Theatre Williams Lake, BC Canada
MAY 28, 2014 - MAY 28, 2014
Williams Lake Studio Theatre
Williams Lake, BC Canada
Williams Lake Studio Theatre Williams Lake, BC Canada
APR 30, 2014 - MAY 17, 2014
Williams Lake Studio Theatre
Williams Lake, BC Canada
Williams Lake Studio Theatre Williams Lake, BC Canada
APR 24, 2014 - JUN 01, 2014
Hedgerow Theatre
Rose Valley, PA United States
Hedgerow Theatre Rose Valley, PA United States
MAR 06, 2014 - MAR 08, 2014
Xavier College Prep
Phoenix, AZ United States
Xavier College Prep Phoenix, AZ United States
JAN 09, 2014 - JAN 11, 2014
HSC Thespians
Whitmore Lake, MI United States
HSC Thespians Whitmore Lake, MI United States
JAN 01, 2014 - DEC 31, 2015
Naytelmakulma - Nordic Drama Corner Oy
Helsinki, Finland
Naytelmakulma - Nordic Drama Corner Oy Helsinki, Finland
NOV 14, 2013 - NOV 24, 2013
Hardin-Simmons University
Abilene, TX United States
Hardin-Simmons University Abilene, TX United States
SEP 12, 2013 - SEP 13, 2013
The Public Theatre Of Kentucky
Bowling Green, KY United States
The Public Theatre Of Kentucky Bowling Green, KY United States
MAY 06, 2013 - MAY 07, 2013
Arche Theatre
Rockwall, TX United States
Arche Theatre Rockwall, TX United States
APR 25, 2013 - APR 28, 2013
Theatre Newfoundland Labrador
Corner Brook, NF Canada
Theatre Newfoundland Labrador Corner Brook, NF Canada
MAR 08, 2013 - MAR 24, 2013
Erie Playhouse
Erie, PA United States
Erie Playhouse Erie, PA United States
FEB 22, 2013 - MAR 10, 2013
UAA Mainstage Theatre
Anchorage, AK United States
UAA Mainstage Theatre Anchorage, AK United States
FEB 06, 2013 - MAR 17, 2013
Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Orlando, FL United States
Orlando Shakespeare Theater Orlando, FL United States
FEB 06, 2013 - MAR 03, 2013
The Repertory Theatre Of St. Louis
St. Louis, MO United States
The Repertory Theatre Of St. Louis St. Louis, MO United States
DEC 07, 2012 - DEC 08, 2012
ACT I
Cartersville, GA United States
ACT I Cartersville, GA United States
NOV 28, 2012 - DEC 01, 2012
Rondo Theatre Company
Bath, United Kingdom
Rondo Theatre Company Bath, United Kingdom
NOV 09, 2012 - NOV 10, 2012
Ames High School
Ames, IA United States
Ames High School Ames, IA United States
NOV 02, 2012 - NOV 17, 2012
Gallery 7 Theatre & Performing Arts Society
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Gallery 7 Theatre & Performing Arts Society Abbotsford, BC Canada
OCT 23, 2012 - OCT 27, 2012
Harlequin Theatre
Northwich Cheshire UK, United Kingdom
Harlequin Theatre Northwich Cheshire UK, United Kingdom
OCT 04, 2012 - OCT 06, 2012
Plano East Senior High School
Plano, TX United States
Plano East Senior High School Plano, TX United States
APR 06, 2012 - APR 15, 2012
VLA Theatre
Killeen, TX United States
VLA Theatre Killeen, TX United States
FEB 17, 2012 - MAR 18, 2012
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Cincinnati, OH United States
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Cincinnati, OH United States
FEB 09, 2012 - FEB 12, 2012
Waubonsie Valley High School
AURORA, IL United States
Waubonsie Valley High School AURORA, IL United States
DEC 08, 2011 - DEC 10, 2011
Tehachapi Unified School District
Keene, CA United States
Tehachapi Unified School District Keene, CA United States
OCT 14, 2011 - OCT 23, 2011
Stolen Shakespeare Guild
Irving, TX United States
Stolen Shakespeare Guild Irving, TX United States
SEP 30, 2011 - OCT 01, 2011
The Master's Academy
Oviedo, FL United States
The Master's Academy Oviedo, FL United States
AUG 30, 2011 - SEP 24, 2011
Actors Theatre Of Louisville
Louisville, KY United States
Actors Theatre Of Louisville Louisville, KY United States
MAR 10, 2011 - MAY 01, 2011
Northlight Theatre
Skokie, IL United States
Northlight Theatre Skokie, IL United States
FEB 11, 2011 - FEB 19, 2011
Stephens College
Columbia, MO United States
Stephens College Columbia, MO United States
FEB 10, 2011 - FEB 12, 2011
Carmel High School
Carmel, IN United States
Carmel High School Carmel, IN United States
APR 05, 2024 - APR 14, 2024
Boerne Community Theatre
Boerne, TX United States
Boerne Community Theatre Boerne, TX United States
OCT 28, 2021 - MAY 31, 2022
Nordic Drama Corner Oy
Hämeenlinna, Finland
Nordic Drama Corner Oy Hämeenlinna, Finland
JUL 02, 2015 - JUL 12, 2015
Livermore Shakespeare Festival
Livermore, CA United States
Livermore Shakespeare Festival Livermore, CA United States
JUL 02, 2015 - JUL 19, 2015
Livermore Shakespeare Festival
Livermore, CA United States
Livermore Shakespeare Festival Livermore, CA United States
MAR 27, 2015 - MAY 03, 2015
Annapolis Shakespeare Company
Annapolis, MD United States
Annapolis Shakespeare Company Annapolis, MD United States
APR 24, 2014 - JUN 01, 2014
Hedgerow Theatre
Rose Valley, PA United States
Hedgerow Theatre Rose Valley, PA United States
JAN 01, 2014 - DEC 31, 2015
Naytelmakulma - Nordic Drama Corner Oy
Helsinki, Finland
Naytelmakulma - Nordic Drama Corner Oy Helsinki, Finland
FEB 06, 2013 - MAR 17, 2013
Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Orlando, FL United States
Orlando Shakespeare Theater Orlando, FL United States
FEB 06, 2013 - MAR 03, 2013
The Repertory Theatre Of St. Louis
St. Louis, MO United States
The Repertory Theatre Of St. Louis St. Louis, MO United States
FEB 17, 2012 - MAR 18, 2012
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Cincinnati, OH United States
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Cincinnati, OH United States
AUG 30, 2011 - SEP 24, 2011
Actors Theatre Of Louisville
Louisville, KY United States
Actors Theatre Of Louisville Louisville, KY United States
MAR 10, 2011 - MAY 01, 2011
Northlight Theatre
Skokie, IL United States
Northlight Theatre Skokie, IL United States

Archival Video License

Playscripts is pleased to offer an Archival Video License to add to your order for an additional $150 for full-length plays and $75 for one-act plays.

This allows you to record one of your live performances for your internal archives only. This cannot be streamed.

For more information, please reach out to [email protected]

eScript Details

eScript Digital Editions cannot be printed or downloaded. They are for reading on personal computer or tablet devices (phones, iPads, Kobo, Sony, etc.) It can viewed on up to 5 individual devices.

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