Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” never included a formal ball with S&M leather, but “Regency Girls” at The Old Globe delivers just that. The anachronistic new musical takes Regency-era England and pins it against the modern parallel of reproductive freedom and a woman’s right to choose.
Elinor Benton finds herself pregnant and unwed; she is fully aware of what this would do to her family and herself, so she acts accordingly. Rounding up a small group including her sister, her handmaid and a close friend, Elinor sets out to find Madame Restell and the solution to her problem. The young women find themselves at odds with men who think they know best and bitter old ladies out to ruin their reputation. Together, the fierce group of gals fight for their freedom of choice.
The musical is helmed by a powerhouse of a team. With the book by Jennifer Crittenden and Gabrielle Allan (“Seinfeld,” “Scrubs,” “Veep”), music by Curtis Moore (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) and lyrics by Amanda Green (“Mr. Saturday Night,” “Hands On A Hardbody,” “Bring It On: The Musical”), the Broadway-bound show is a witty, timely story that will be a hit.
Notable songs include “Man Things,” “How Long (In 1810)” and “Brains and Booty.” The numbers are fun and catchy, bringing the show’s energy to new heights. However, some songs do miss the mark. While the show never claimed or pretended to be subtle, the song “A Woman Knows” toward the end of the second act includes lyrics that are just a little too on the nose.
The powerful performances are what drive this show home, and the four leading ladies take the reigns (literally). Isabelle McCalla (Elinor), Kate Rockwell (Jane), Krystina Alabado (Dabney) and Ryann Redmond (Petunia) are all outstanding in their roles; the young ladies are sincere, lovable and all-around funny. Standout performances include Gabe Gibbs (Dingley, Galloping Dick), who masters physical comedy and left the audience laughing at every turn, as well as Janine LaManna (Lady Catherine, Madame Restell), who flipped between two wildly different characters with great talent and ease.
Anna Louizos’ scenic design is outstanding, with large set pieces that are never overpowering and simple pieces of furniture that never feel too bare or lacking. Costume Designer David I. Reynoso leaned into the anachronism with bold colors that brightened the show.
“Regency Girls” is wonderfully relevant at this point in time, and the sharp, witty script is sure to leave an impact. The world-premiere musical is a masterclass in what The Old Globe brings to the theatre.
(Photo Credit: Jim Cox)
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