Guest Review by David Kiley, Photo courtesy The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Paul Gordon’s Sense and Sensibility: The Musical is a lush, romantic adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, blending period charm with contemporary musical sensibilities. First premiering in 2013, the show transforms Austen’s tale of love, loss, and sisterhood into a sweeping musical experience with heartfelt melodies and elegant storytelling.
Gordon’s score is undeniably one of the highlights of the production, now being presented by Encore Musical Theatre in Dexter through March 16. His compositions strike a balance between classic and modern, evoking the Regency era while remaining accessible to contemporary audiences. The melodies are lyrical, rich, and often deeply emotional, mirroring the inner lives of the lead characters—the Dashwood sisters [Chelsea Packard as older sister Elinor and Jessica Grove as Marianne]. Songs like “Somewhere in Silence” and “The Wrong Side of Five and Thirty” beautifully capture the characters’ longing and societal struggles, while “I Must Leave You” and “On the Wrong Side of Love” showcase Gordon’s ability to convey heartbreak and resilience through music.
The story follows the Dashwood sisters—sensible, reserved Elinor and impulsive, romantic Marianne—as they navigate love, heartbreak, and societal expectations after their father’s death leaves them financially vulnerable. Ms. Packard and Ms. Grove are strong voices, both with Broadway backgrounds.
The lyrics, though occasionally predictable, effectively express the characters’ emotions and move the plot forward. The show’s romantic ballads are particularly striking, drawing the audience into the passionate yet restrained world of Austen’s heroines.
Gordon’s adaptation remains largely faithful to Austen’s novel, distilling its core themes of love, duty, and emotional restraint.
The musical preserves Austen’s wit and social commentary, though some of the novel’s more nuanced character development is sacrificed for effective pacing. The script emphasizes the emotional arcs of Elinor and Marianne, giving both women distinct musical identities that reflect their contrasting personalities. While Elinor’s songs tend to be restrained and introspective, Marianne’s numbers burst with youthful passion, effectively highlighting their differing approaches to love.
Matt Bogart as Colonel Brandon, an older suitor for Marianne, is especially strong, both in his vocals and acting. He is also the director of this production. Adam Woolsey as Edward Ferrars, suitor for Elinor, also is quite strong with subtle comedic timing and good vocals. Leah Fox is music director and does a splendid job of leading the small string and woodwind combo with herself conducting from the keyboard.
Very strong supporting performances are turned in by Sanchi Pandey as headstrong and flirty Lucy Steele, and Marlene Inman as Fanny Dashwood and Mrs. Jennings. Ms. Inman elevates the matronly characters in a way that charges the stage with fresh energy. Mitchell Hardy as John Dashwood and Lord Middleton is amusing and is well paired with Ms. Inman.
The set, by Sarah Tanner leans toward elegant minimalism, allowing the music and performances to take center stage. Costuming by Marilee Dechart is well executed for the 19th century English manor houses in which the action is set. Chris Goosman directs sound and Robert Perry is lighting designer.
Sense and Sensibility: The Musical is a charming and emotionally rich adaptation of Austen’s novel. Gordon’s score is beautiful and evocative, capturing the tension between sense and sensibility through melody and lyricism. While it may not delve as deeply into Austen’s social critique as the original novel, the musical succeeds in translating the story’s heart and romance to the stage. Fans of Austen and period-piece musicals will find much to love.
Show and ticket information can be found at Encore’s website. https://theencoretheatre.org/
Mostly Musical Theatre 
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