Matt Kraft is finding playing his character in “Pride & Prejudice” an entertaining challenge on a few different levels.
“I like that Mr. Darcy is someone who sets the bar really high for himself,” the Carmel resident said. “He wants so badly to live up to this image of the ideal man that he has created, but when he meets Elizabeth, it throws his ideals and identity out the window. The conflict between his head and his heart makes him a fun and challenging character to play. And let’s be honest, the (British) accent is fun, too.”
The production of “Pride & Prejudice” will be streamed live from The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel at 7 p.m. Feb. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27. An on-demand option is available for viewing starting Feb. 14.
Kraft has never been in the play, based on the classic Jane Austen novel, or seen it performed.
“I’ve never seen a film version of ‘Pride & Prejudice,’ either, which is actually nice because I don’t have any preconceptions of how it should be performed,” Kraft said. “I’m really excited for people to see our take on it.”
Kraft said rehearsals have gone well as the cast has practiced with face masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I feel lucky to have something to focus on during this crazy time in the world,” Kraft said. “Everyone at Civic has been extremely careful as far as wearing masks and staying socially distant whenever we are rehearsing at the theater, and we all have been wearing masks throughout rehearsal. It is definitely strange, but I hope we will look back on this one day and be proud that we adapted to the situation and still put on a show during this time.
“With the state of the world being what it is, I think everyone could use some love and laughter, and I hope streaming our show online can provide that.”
The 2009 Carmel High School graduate was set to be in Civic Theatre’s “A Few Good Men” at The Tarkington in March 2020, but it was halted a few hours before opening night March 13 because of the virus. “A Few Good Men,” is slated to run May 7-22.
“I am very glad to be performing again,” Kraft said. “The entire ‘Pride & Prejudice’ cast and crew is so awesome, and it has given me something to look forward to after work every day. I can’t wait for an audience to see the show.”
For more, visit civictheatre.org.
