"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE," PIONEER THEATRE COMPANY, Pioneer Memorial Theatre, University of Utah, through Nov. 18 (581-6961); running time: two hours, 45 minutes (one intermission)

There are ample servings of both romance and comedy in Pioneer Theatre Company's "Pride and Prejudice."

This is Alan Stanford's tightly structured 1991 revision of James Maxwell's stage adaptation. The story, of course, comes from Jane Austen's classic novel about class distinction and love during the early 1800s in rural England.

Filled with rich dialogue taken straight from Austen's book, Pioneer Memorial Theatre's stage is brimming with talent, luxurious costumes and lovely scenery. Guest scenery designer Bill Clarke's revolving centerpiece keeps the action constantly shifting from the Bennet family's parlor to a variety of nearby estates and gardens.

There are also several parties. The elegant balls in Austen's time were not much different from the "singles dances" today, with young ladies on the lookout for marriageable (and, hopefully, wealthy) men, along with some stand-offish guys who'd just rather not get involved.

Director Charles Morey has a stellar cast that really delivers. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet — played delightfully by Max Robinson and Libby George — have five daughters. When Mr. Bingley (nicely played by Bjorn Thorstad) moves in down the road, Mrs. Bennet can't wait to introduce him to her girls.

Elizabeth and Jane, the oldest, are also quite a bit more serious than their younger siblings, whom Dad sees as basically "silly girls." The parents provide much of the comedy — Father hiding in the library (he knows his place in the family) and Mother constantly in a dither about her daughters' chances for good marriages.

It's a given that by the time "Pride and Prejudice" ends at least some of the Bennet sisters will either be married or headed that direction.

What really keeps things moving is Elizabeth's narration. She also keeps the plot bubbling with her outspoken disdain for Mr. Bingley's chum, the cold, aloof Mr. Darcy.

There are wonderful performances from top to bottom — Michelle Vazquez as Lizzy, Christianna Nelson as Jane, Jenny Strassburg as Lydia, Antony Hagopian as Mr. Darcy, James Knight as Mr. Wickham and Sally Kemp as the stuffy Lady Catherine.

Carol Wells-Day's costumes are sumptuous, Jayne Luke has choreographed the ballroom segments, and James Prigmore composed the show's incidental background music.

The entire production has the feel of a big-budget BBC miniseries brought to life on stage.

Sensitivity rating: Safe for all ages, although it may be a bit too long for younger theatergoers.

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