Catherine: Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey in Today's L.A.

With a comfortable running time near that of a Netflix episode, "Catherine" is a delightfully brisk and perky update/condensation of Austen's famous novel. The show plays something like the film "Clueless" without the slapstick and dumb-blonde sensibility--"Catherine"'s author obviously knows that one of the keys to Austen is the strength of the female characters despite their Victorian trappings. It's fun to see old-fashioned romance storytelling, with all the "will they or won't they?" misunderstandings, in a modern setting and this piece makes a good argument that such stories can still work. The updates to the tale, far from being intrusive, are fun and clever. Too say too much about these updates would be to rob a potential viewer of ... full review

This show made me want to read Jane Austen, and that's truly a feat! This well-cast show features a small ensemble of strong actors. The shows title character carries the show well with her interpretation of sometimes naive, yet always captivating Catherine. Brendan Weinhold in the role of the hopeful suitor is both funny and endearing. Well-scripted and directed, and a strong fringe-piece. Ray Burley Productions never fails to deliver on affordable, smart theater. ... full review

Unfamiliar with the source material, I went in seeing what I could get without knowing a basic synopsis. I think they created a solid modernization. The plot was realistic and I enjoyed watching the story unfold. Congrats to the cast and creative team for putting it all together!... full review

This was well written and acted. Smooth updating of the time and place. Loved the inclusion of some original dialogue from the original - deftly handled.... full review

Outstanding writing, brilliant acting, and magnificent staging - few simple props and WOW! I'm clueless about Jane Austen's work (I know, hanging my head in shame), but I'm not clueless about Stina Pederson or Brendan Weinhold - so I signed up for a show. I'm still a fairly new actor, but I'm a life-long reader and long-time appreciator of acting talent. I know it takes really great writing to bring out a really great performance, and this production fills that bill. Bravo. Gonna see if I can round up some folks to come with me so I can see it again before the run is over.... full review

A chance meeting at a coffee shop is where it all starts. CATHERINE, written by Stina Pederson and featuring the talents of Brendan Cadigan Weinhold and a cast of many in a simple adventure in Los Angeles that takes some crazy turns. These hilarious moments are part of the Hollywood Fringe located at the Theatre Asylum on 1078 Lillian Way. See it.... full review

I did not know what to expect walking into the theatre but I was ready for anything. Catherine sucked me in The entire cast was a bright delight!... full review

An absolutely delightful hour! The story works remarkably well set in modern-day L.A., and it retains all the charm of Austen's work. You cannot help but leave the theater smiling! Lovely work by the cast!... full review

I enjoyed how the tone of the play still reflected Jane Austen, even when set in modern times. Lovely performance by the main actress.... full review

Let's be honest, updating Jane Austen to LA is daunting. The woman hated Bath because it was an urban hell hole. Bath! With its Georgian architecture and concerted development laws to keep it Georgian! Nevertheless, Stina Peterson is on to something and if her desire is true - to inspire audiences to read Austen's original novel - than she hits the mark. Also highly enjoyable is Brendan Weinhold's performance. We saw and supported him in Four Tree Plays last fringe and he knocks out another compelling and charming performance in Catherine. Kudos!... full review