By AJ Jaffari

What happens when two overlooked young women finally step into their own spotlight at Pemberley? TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley brings warmth and holiday charm to Jane Austen’s beloved world, offering a festive companion piece that centers the hearts often left on the margins. In this continuation of the popular “Christmas at Pemberley” trilogy, the story invites us into a season of music, mischief, and unexpected courage—reminding us that even the quietest characters have dreams powerful enough to reshape their futures.

Set against the elegant backdrop of the Darcy household during the holidays, the play follows Georgiana Darcy and Kitty Bennet as they navigate friendship, self-discovery, and the early sparks of romance. Their world is filled with familiar Austen elegance, but the focus here is refreshingly intimate: two young women learning to trust themselves and embrace the possibilities before them. TheatreWorks captures that mix of coziness and emotional sincerity beautifully, creating a holiday tale that feels both timeless and wonderfully alive.

The stars of the show are undeniably Emily Ota and Kushi Beauchamp, who both distinguished their characters with remarkable craft and professionalism. Ota, as Georgiana, beautifully captured the character’s Act I naivety while seamlessly transitioning into the strength and courage required in Act II. Fun fact: we performed in a show together ages ago, so seeing her shine in this role was especially moving—and I was genuinely blown away by her work. Equally impressive was Beauchamp, whose performance stayed with me long after the curtain fell. Days later, I still find myself thinking about her impeccable timing and the richness of her vocal performance.

As someone experiencing this play for the first time, I often felt like I was watching two close friends share honest conversations; there were moments I completely forgot I was watching a scripted production. That kind of naturalism is no easy feat, yet these two accomplished it with effortless grace.

Another standout for me was William Thomas Hodgson (who handled a major sound flub with such ease). And of course, the entire cast deserves a round of applause. This is a dialogue-heavy show, and every performer handled their role with clarity, charm, and tremendous skill.

TheatreWorks is truly a powerhouse in this community. I’m constantly impressed by their innovation and the care they bring to storytelling. I have to say, the scenic design by Andrea Bechert was absolutely spectacular—as you can see from the photos above. It genuinely felt like I was looking at a film set. The craftsmanship, the detail, the warmth of the space—it all made the stage feel incredibly inviting. It’s easily one of the most visually stunning sets I’ve seen take over the Lucie Stern stage.

The costumes were another standout element that elevated the entire production. Cathleen Edwards crafted multiple curated looks for each character, all beautifully suited to their personalities. The color palette, the textures, the silhouettes—I found myself ooh-ing and ah-ing throughout the show. It’s clear a tremendous amount of thought and artistry went into every piece.

If you love a good period piece, this is the show for you. The dialogue may feel a bit posh for some, but if you’re an Austen fan, it’s an absolute must-see. With just the right blend of comedy and heartfelt moments, Georgiana & Kitty leaves your heart full—and that’s thanks to the incredibly talented cast and crew at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.

Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley runs through December 28 and tickets are available here.