Knoxville TN, September 19, 2025
News Summary
The Clarence Brown Theatre is set to launch its season with ‘Sense and Sensibility’, a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Directed by Casey Sams, this version adds contemporary cultural elements, engaging a younger audience while highlighting important roles for graduate students. The production will run from September 17 to October 5, featuring themes of reputation and love through the lens of gossip. The lead sisters, Elinor and Marianne, will be portrayed by McKinley Merritt and Develyn Jayan, aiming to balance authenticity with character portrayal.
Knoxville
The Clarence Brown Theatre (CBT) will kick off its 2025–26 season with “Sense and Sensibility,” a modern adaptation by Kate Hamill of the beloved classic novel by Jane Austen. The play will run from September 17 to October 5, 2025.
This contemporary adaptation of Austen’s work incorporates modern cultural elements, including a chorus of “gossips” that reflects current themes of reputation and rumor, adding a fresh perspective to the timeless tale. Director Casey Sams has voiced strong enthusiasm for the adaptation, pointing out that it highlights significant roles for graduate students while enabling them to delve into diverse theatrical territories.
The adaptation blends rich Austen language with modern sensibilities. It addresses the ongoing tension between private lives and public perception, particularly through the narrative thread of a secret engagement that has profound ramifications for the characters, revealed primarily through gossip instead of conventional dialogue.
The production will maintain period costumes; however, it will introduce modern touches, such as the gossips donning sunglasses, to connect with contemporary audiences. Sams emphasizes that Austen’s storytelling is crucial in presenting narratives from a woman’s perspective, linking her work to ongoing social commentary relevant to today’s world.
Initial rehearsals have included in-depth discussions relating the themes of the play to contemporary culture and how young actors resonate with the social dynamics present in the age of social media. The narrative focuses on how personal reputation influences opportunities, particularly for women during Austen’s time.
The story centers around two sisters, Elinor, who embodies “sense,” and Marianne, representing “sensibility.” Their contrasting approaches to love and life reveal the complexities of personal relationships amid societal expectations. The leading roles of the sisters will be portrayed by McKinley Merritt and Develyn Jayan, both of whom share a personal connection with their characters, striving for a balance between authenticity and character portrayal.
Casey Sams has expressed pride in how the production aligns with the theatre’s mission to create engaging theater while training the next generation of theater artists. The 2025–2026 season at CBT will feature a total of six productions across CBT, the Lab Theatre, and the new Jenny Boyd Theatre, continuing to serve as a vital cultural resource for the Knoxville community and the wider East Tennessee region.
Tickets for “Sense and Sensibility” and other upcoming performances can be purchased through the theater’s box office, providing easy access for the public to engage with the arts.
FAQ
What is the title of the first production in the 2025–26 season at Clarence Brown Theatre?
The title of the first production is “Sense and Sensibility,” a modern adaptation by Kate Hamill of Jane Austen’s classic novel.
When will “Sense and Sensibility” be performed?
The play will run from September 17 to October 5, 2025.
How does this adaptation differ from the original text?
The adaptation incorporates contemporary elements, including a chorus of “gossips” reflecting current cultural themes, while combining rich Austen language with modern sensibilities.
Who are the lead actors in this production?
The lead sisters will be portrayed by McKinley Merritt and Develyn Jayan, who personally relate to their characters.
How many productions will be featured in CBT’s 2025–26 season?
The season will feature a total of six productions across CBT, the Lab Theatre, and the new Jenny Boyd Theatre.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Production Title | “Sense and Sensibility” |
| Adaptation By | Kate Hamill |
| Performance Dates | September 17 to October 5, 2025 |
| Number of Productions in Season | Six |
| Lead Actors | McKinley Merritt and Develyn Jayan |
| Directorial Vision | Focus on strong roles for graduate students and modern interpretation of classic themes |
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: Interview with Casey Sams
- Knox TN Today: Local Events
- Arts Knoxville: 2025-26 Theatre Season Preview
- WBIR: Clarence Brown Theatre 2025-2026 Season Line-up
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jane Austen
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