November 20th, 2012 
The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is an American classic exploring the tension between judgement and freedom and desire and sin. Read here for more background information from my previous article on this novel and the inspiration behind the current adaptation of this old classic.
Cara Spradling as “Pearl Prynne”, Sarah Konkel as “Hester Prynne” and Mackenzie Dunn as “Mistress Hibbins” (Photo Credit: Lawrence Peart, Courtesy of The University of Texas at Austin)
The performance took place in the intimate B. Iden Payne Theatre on
The University of Texas at Austincampus. The props, although fairly simple, were strategically placed and the backdrop of forest foliage was cleverly positioned to give the illusion of the sun’s rays weaving through the limbs and leaves. As noted from the creative team, the performance “is a new play inspired by an old story. Plots have been changed, characters added, language re-imagined.”
Cara Spradling as “Pearl Prynne” and Cody Edgar as “Governor Bellingham” (Photo Credit: Lawrence Peart, Courtesy of The University of Texas at Austin)
Indeed, the play included the original core staples of the novel, however intriguing twists were cleverly woven within to create interest and fascination among the audience. Each actor performed his/her role very well, with eloquence and such energy and strength. I was impressed with each young actor’s passion and performance, especially the youngest of the crew, Cara Spradling, who played the role of Hester Prynne’s daughter and symbol of her sin, Pearl Prynne. Cara was incredible to watch and most entertaining.
Adapted by playwright Sarah Saltwick and directed by Steven Wilson, this play on an old classic is very well orchestrated and fresh, while continuing to maintain the original and timeless cornerstones of an old classic novel.
WHEN: November 29, 30, December 1, 5, 6, 7 at 8 p.m.
December 2 at 2 p.m.
Sarah Konkel as “Hester Prynne” and Cara Spradling as “Pearl Prynne” (Photo Credit: Lawrence Peart, Courtesy of The University of Texas at Austin)
WHERE:
B. Iden Payne Theatre
Winship Drama Building
300 East 23rd Street
Austin, TX 78712
Ph. 512-471-5793
COST:
$15-$25
Purchase tickets here.
Wow! This is Cara's first ever review! : )
It is well deserved!!
So exciting!! I might just see it again!
That's awesome!
WOW Nicole! I didn't know you had a starlet for a daughter!!! How exciting!!!
I don't. I think Miss A is being very kind. But we certainly appreciate it.
I think Miss A is being very kind. But it is much appreciated.
Give her a big hug from us. We are so so proud of her. Of course being the totally unorganized person I almost booked tickets to go see the play. Forgetting Julia has her play at the same time here- grrrrrr. so so sorry. Watch Chicago Fire tomorrow night see if you can spot your god daughter. She's a student in white jacket- unless they edit the scene out- never know until in runs.
So exciting! She's beautiful, Nicole.
Wow…great review!!!
Wow! That is awesome!!
I am so happy that Brandis and I saw the play. We loved everything about it. The entire cast was amazing, and Cara was best of all! We can't stop talking about it. We are so proud of Cara!
I am trying to post this so that people in Austin can see it. Follow the link, and the times are listed. I highly recommend it! If you are from El Paso, Cara Spradling's grandmother might have been your piano teacher! Her dad, Shelby, and aunt, Stacy went to CHS. Cara is only 10 and she was unbelievable!
I am honored to give Cara her first review! I truly was most impressed with her energy, confidence and the remembering of all those tricky lines!