One of Jane Austen's most beloved novels will become a new musical when the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre presents the world premiere of "Pride and Prejudice: A Musical" Aug. 1-16.

Deborah Morris, who wrote the books and lyrics, has done a clever job of keeping the flavor and phrasing of Austen's work intact, and Ann Kapp Andersen's music is dramatic and beautiful," Elison says.

The music will play Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. in the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, located at 699 S. State, Orem, in the middle of SCERA Park. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children (age 3-11), students (w/ID) and seniors (65+). Patrons may bring blankets or rent a chair for $1.00. Reserved seating areas range from $12 to $14 for adults and $10-$12 for children, students and seniors. Tickets are available from 10am-6pm weekdays and Saturdays from 12Noon-6pm at the SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S. State St., Orem, by calling (801) 225-ARTS, online at www.scera.org or at the Shell gate one hour prior to each show.

Composing team Morris and Kapp-Andersen have local ties. Deborah Morris graduated from Orem High School and later magna cum laude from Utah State University in Theatre and Choral Music Education. Morris continued with two years of graduate work in Writing and is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild of America. "Pride and Prejudice" had its origin 20 years ago when Deborah began jotting down lyrics for what she hoped would be a musical version of her favorite book. The project was shelved, however, until Deborah met composer Ann Kapp Andersen in Bavaria, Germany in 2001 where their husbands were stationed with the Department of Defense, and they decided to pick up Deborah's long-neglected script and begin a musical theatre collaboration.

Ann Kapp Andersen was born in Ogden, Utah, and attended BYU as a piano major for two years before getting married and eventually landing in Fairbanks, Alaska. Ann went back to school at the University of Alaska and received a Bachelor of Music in piano performance and a Master of Arts in conducting with a show music emphasis. She and Thayne are now comfortably settled in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho and she continues to be in demand as a music director, arranger, teacher, accompanist and conductor.

Pride and Prejudice" has been produced in many versions since its publication, including a highly successful television mini-series starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle and a film adaptation with Kiera Knightly, who won an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennett.

The story's focus is on the tempestuous relationship between the admirable, but proud, Mr. Darcy and the insightful, but prejudiced, Elizabeth Bennett.

She is one of five daughters Mrs. Bennet is obsessed with marrying off in an effort to save the family's estate. The story begins when a rich and charming young man moves into the neighborhood and falls for the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane. He is persuaded to end the relationship by Mr. Darcy who thinks the match is unsuitable. His sabotage also threatens to disrupt his own plans when he reluctantly falls in love with headstrong Elizabeth, the Bennet's second daughter. Add a dangerous cad, an insufferably stodgy clergyman, a pompous benefactor and other well-drawn characters, and the result is an ageless romantic drama that has delighted readers since Austen published it in 1813.

The SCERA production will feature a set designed by Steve Purdie of Utah Valley University. It features a backdrop that resembles wallpaper covered with writing that suggests Jane Austen's penmanship. Music director is Martha Glissmeyer, costume designer is Debbie Bowman, and Michael Handley is lighting designer. Mary Linda Thomas is the choreographer and is designing two large ball scenes, a country dance in Meryton and a formal event in Netherfield.

The casting of Elizabeth was the most crucial role, says Elison, because this character carries the show. "She begins and ends most of the scenes and must be an exceptional actor and singer." Elison found her with Brittni Bills Smith, who recently played the lead roles of Belle in "Beauty and the Beast" and Maria in "West Side Story," both at the Hale Center Theater Orem. Her real-life husband, David Smith, is Mr. Darcy, and "their chemistry together is understandably wonderful," adds Elison. David is a familiar face at local theaters, having taken on lead roles as Lumiere in "Beauty and the Beast," Tony in "West Side Story" and many others. The Smiths first met in SCERA's production of "Oklahoma" several years ago; "Pride and Prejudice" is their first show together as a married couple.

Other key roles will be played by Jennie Goodman as Jane Bennet and Curtis Goodman--also her real-life husband--as her love interest, Mr. Bingley. Robinne Booth is relentless matchmaker Mrs. Bennet, Dane Allred plays Mr. Bennet, Shawn Lynn is villainous Mr. Wickham, Matt Christensen is pompous Mr. Collins, Josie Rogers is Charlotte Bennet, and Cosette West plays Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

SCERA's production of "Pride and Prejudice: A Musical" will travel to Provo for several performances at BYU Education Week.