The question asked in the title of the new play being presented by Bedlam Theater is “Are the Bennett Girls OK?” Well, the simple answer is, “Yes!” They are doing just fine in a new adaptation of the Jane Austen favorite novel, “Pride and Prejudice.” Penned by Emily Breeze, this adaptation does take a few liberties and does not exactly stick to the conventional storyline told a bit conservatively in the novel. This production focuses on the sisters, their relationships with each other, and their mother’s attempts to find a way to survive after her ill husband’s death. Ms. Breeze takes the romanticism that is forefront in the novel and presents it in a raw and real way that creates a bond between the sisters. At times vulnerable, occasionally vulgar, always real, the sisters never face their situations idealistically. These Bennett Girls dig deep, and come up to the surface spewing truth, rather than floating on fantasies.

The driving force of this production is the amazing ensemble creating relationships that are held together with determination and emotional support in any circumstance. Each sister is a strong individual but together they are an army that is difficult to defeat. The captain is their mother, Mrs. Bennett (Zuzanna Szadkowski), filled with anxiety and angst, harsh and caustic on one side and loving and understanding on the other. Her plans are complex, but her intentions are simple. Lizzie (Elyse Steingold) is content reading and hanging with her friend Georgiana Darcy (Caroline Campos). Things change when her sister Jane (Shayvawn Webster) fails to become engaged, putting pressure on her to wed in order to save the household. Lydia (Caroline Grogan) is being courted by Mr. Wickham and ends up in a horrible marriage that is given a surprise ending. Kitty (Violetta Picayo) has all she can do to keep all the festivities straight, always conferring with her sisters. Then there is Mary (Masha Breeze), who is sad, depressed and extremely lovable, always there to comfort and help her sisters. Where are the men? Well, in this production they are all Edoardo Benzoni, who gives each character individuality and believability. The entire cast is remarkable.

As always, director Eric Tucker has put his stamp on this production once again causing some bedlam. The pace is fast and non-stop, as the actors never miss a beat and work the multi-level staging area created by John McDermott, with ease. The lighting design by Eric Southern and Cheyenne Sykes is sharp and definitive, capturing the emotional sense of each scene.

This may not be an adaptation that will appeal to everyone, but if you like “Pride and Prejudice,” have an open heart, an open mind, love comedy and theatre that pushes the envelope, run and get a ticket now.