Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Continues 2026 Summer Theatre Series with
The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged
Directed by playwright Jessica Bedford, the acclaimed comedy brings Austen’s beloved novels and unforgettable characters to the stage this summer
Center Valley, PA — June 26, 2026 — Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) continues its 2026 Summer Theatre Series with the Regency-era romp The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged. The show runs now through July 12 in the Schubert Theatre at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of DeSales University in Center Valley, PA.
Featuring just three actors, the production takes audiences on a whirlwind tour through Austen’s beloved novels—Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and more—condensed into an 80-minute comedy with no intermission. Whether you’re a devoted Janeite or discovering Austen for the first time, prepare for a charming, high-energy celebration of one of literature’s most legendary voices.
The production is directed by Jessica Bedford, a Philadelphia-based actor, director, dramaturg, playwright, teacher, and longtime Festival artist. Bedford’s recent directing credits include Delaware Shakespeare, Philadelphia Artists’ Collective, Act II Playhouse, DeSales University, and McCarter Theatre Center. She is a professor of theatre at DeSales University and holds an M.A. from Villanova University and an MFA from Queens University.
The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged was born out of the writers’ own devotion to Austen, penned by Bedford, Kathryn MacMillan, Charlotte Northeast, and Meghan Winch.
“We didn’t want to create a Janeite play just for other Janeites. We wanted to create a piece that revered Austen and showed the newbies—those discovering her for the first time—why they should revere her work, too,” said Bedford. “I hope that when audiences step into the Schubert Theatre, they feel they’re entering Jane Austen’s world, but that she is also entering ours; that our love letter to her and all of her fans—new fans, old fans, and yet-to-be fans—brings her back to life, if just for an evening.”
The three quick-witted actors portraying Austen’s heroines, heroes, cads, and clowns are prominent Philadelphia artists Madeleine Garcia (Jessica), Sarah Gliko (Charlotte), and David Pica (Trevor).
Madeleine Garcia makes her PSF debut this summer. Her regional credits include Inis Nua Theatre Company, People’s Light, InterAct Theatre Company, Philadelphia Artists’ Collective, Montgomery Theater Company, Walnut Street Theatre, and Quintessence Theatre Group.
Sarah Gliko, a Barrymore Award-winning artist, was last seen at PSF as Ariel in The Tempest and as Elinor Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility (2023). An actor and musician, she is a founding member of The Wilma Theater’s HotHouse Acting Company.
David Pica returns to PSF following last summer’s productions of Hamlet (Laertes), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (Tragedian), and Cymbeline (Arviragus). He also appeared alongside Gliko in Sense & Sensibility (Dashwood/Palmer) and The Tempest (Sebastian). Other regional credits include Arden Theatre Company, InterAct Theatre Company, and Lantern Theater.
Joining Bedford on the creative team are Sound Designer David M. Greenberg, Scenic Designer Gabby S. Trice, Lighting Designer Lily Fossner, and Costume Designer Janus Stefanowicz. Tori Heikenfeld serves as Production Stage Manager, with Bailey Shea as Assistant Stage Manager.
The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged opens Friday, June 26, and runs through July 12 in the intimate Schubert Theatre. Limited seats remain for the run, and audiences are encouraged to reserve tickets soon.
Due to demand, an additional performance was added on Wednesday, July 8, at 2:00 p.m.
Additional highlights include the following:
- Join the cast for a champagne toast following the opening night performance on Friday, June 26.
- Post-show discussions with the cast will follow the Thursday, July 2 and July 9 performances.
- An audio-described performance will take place on Saturday, July 11, at 2:00pm.
- The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged Epilogue will take place on Saturday, July 11, at 10:00am. Epilogues are free behind-the-scenes discussions open to all.
- The Director’s Dinner, a specialty dinner themed to the play featuring behind-the-scenes insights from director Jessica Bedford, will take place Saturday, July 11, at 5:00pm. Reservations are required and may be made online or by calling the box office.
Tickets may be purchased online at pashakespeare.org, by phone at 610.282.WILL (9455), or in person at the box office.
The production sponsors are Keith & Stefanie Wexler. The 2026 Season Sponsors are Kathleen Kund Nolan and Timothy E. Nolan. Associate Season Sponsors include Air Products; Mary Bongiorno; The Jeff Hunter Charitable Trust; Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth; Yvonne Payne and Edward Spitzer; The Szarko Family; and Harry C. Trexler Trust.
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s 2026 Summer Theatre Series, themed Legends & Legacy, celebrates the Festival’s 35th anniversary and 30 years as the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Running through August 2, the complete season lineup is available at pashakespeare.org.
About Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
Founded in 1992, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is the Lehigh Valley’s Professional Equity Theatre hosted on the campus of DeSales University, and the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, featuring acclaimed actors from Broadway, television, and film, and is the summer home to over 200 artists from around the country, including winners and nominees of the Tony, Obie, Emmy, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Jefferson, and Barrymore Awards. PSF’s mission is to enrich, engage, entertain, and inspire the widest possible audience through professional productions of classic, contemporary, and Shakespearean works, along with educational programming and mentorship opportunities for emerging artists.