Joy in the Process at Acacia
MILWAUKEE (November 2, 2026) – “Everyone has a story,” director Janet Bouman Peterson declares. “The characters given focus in Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon’s trilogy of sequels to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice are blurred in the background, or the foreground, of the novel.”
The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley centers the staff and the family they serve in a celebration of “the holiday [that makes] everyone just a little bit more so than they already are.” With the unwelcome return of Mr. Wickham, both downstairs and upstairs are catalyzed to reflect on the future they want.
“As the story unfolds, what I notice is that the gentry feels more comfortable downstairs, among the servants,” Peterson explains. “Upstairs everyone is on display, and downstairs is where you go for relief. To the gentry, downstairs is an escape, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, a confidant.”
Peterson continues, “The servants do not have the same escape. We see genuine affection between the gentry and servants, but the roles and power dynamics are still there.”
The world of Austen’s novels is widely popular, and Acacia’s audience is no exception, but that is a secondary reason for producing the sequels. “In the previous two we staged, there was joy in the process: friendships were formed, and have remained, with love for each other as people and artists,” Peterson shares. “To continue those relationships, and the story? Rare opportunities in theater.”
“When the poor and needy seek water and there is none, I the LORD will hear them; I will open rivers in high places; I will plant in the wilderness … that they may see and know, and consider and understand that the hand of the LORD has done this.”
Another rarity is the co-directing relationship Peterson has with Erin Nicole Eggers.
“Erin’s current schedule and location don’t allow for as much presence, but she staged this show and returned for some rehearsals. She is brilliant, encouraging and fun. I like sitting at the side of someone with a strong vision and picking up where they left off.”
It’s a fitting approach for a play that expands the story beyond the source material. “I think the playwrights enjoyed exploring these lesser-known figures, especially the servants,” Peterson offers. “When we engage with people’s lives in a narrative, we learn to do the same in life. One of Austen’s close friends was a governess, so Wickhams feels like an extension of that value.”
In keeping with Acacia’s commitment to make theatre more accessible, all tickets for The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley are pay what you can and may be purchased at www.acaciatheatre.com or by calling 414-744-5995. Season subscriptions remain on sale through the final performance of the run. All performances will be in The Norvell Commons at St. Christopher’s Church, located at 7845 North River Road, Milwaukee, WI 53217.
Performance Dates:
- Fri. Nov. 13th at 7:30 PM
- Sat. Nov. 14th at 4:00 PM
- Sun. Nov. 15th at 3:00 PM
- Thu. Nov. 19th at 7:30 PM
- Fri. Nov. 20th at 7:30 PM
- Sat. Nov. 21st at 4:00 PM
- Sun. Nov. 22nd at 3:00 PM
- Thu. Dec. 3rd at 7:30 PM
- Fri. Dec. 4th at 7:30 PM
- Sat. Dec. 5th at 4:00 PM
- Sun. Dec. 6th at 3:00 PM
Ticket Information
All performances of The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley are pay what you can. Tickets can be purchased at www.acaciatheatre.com or by calling 414-744-5995. Season subscriptions remain on sale through the final performance of the run.
About Acacia Theatre Company
Founded in 1980, Acacia Theatre Company is an independent, non-profit, interdenominational group of dramatic artists who share a common desire to integrate art and faith by presenting theatre from a Judeo-Christian worldview. Through uplifting, quality entertainment, Acacia provides occasion for thanksgiving, growth and enjoyment, and the opportunity for Christians and non-Christians to consider their lives in relation to God. More information is available at www.acaciatheatre.com.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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