CHAMPION — I’m not the target audience for Kent State University at Trumbull Theatre’s production of “Pride & Prejudice.”

I’ve never watched an episode of “Downton Abbey” or “Bridgerton.” I’m more Anglophobe than Anglophile, at least when it comes to British period tales.

Even though I may have my own issues with “Prejudice” here, I can appreciate the quality of Kent-Trumbull’s staging of Cait McNeal’s adaptation of Jane Austen novel.

Director Joe Soriano’s production revels in the Regency era as it focuses on the romantic entanglements of Bennet sisters, and the obstacles — some manufactured by others, some of their own making — that get in the way.

Austen didn’t write this story for the stage, so the many, many scenes that unfold in nearly as many different locations wasn’t a concern. McNeal is faithful to the original work, and Soriano keeps the story flowing smoothly (even with a running time of about 155 minutes plus intermission) with Kenzie James-Ramsey’s adaptable set design that is able to serve many needs on a budget. Soriano even stages the occasional scene in the aisles to allow the action to continue as a transition takes place.

Soriano’s other smart move is bringing in some ringers for his Kent-Trumbull directing debut. The artistic director of Twilight Theatre drew on his connections in the Akron area to supplement the local talent pool.

Those performers include Michele McNeal as Lady Catherine, a character who embodies the second “P” of the play’s title in her strenuous objections to Mr. Darcy (Harmon Andrews) even considering marriage to Elizabeth Bennet (Erika Scharf), due to her inferior social standing. It’s not a large role, but she gives the play a jolt of energy whenever she appears on stage. Michele McNeal also is credited as costume designer, and no character has a more magnificent costume than hers, no doubt something she already owned.

Other standouts include Daniel Amiot and Tara Corkery as the Bennet sisters’ parents. Corkery is hilarious as a mother who sees her whole mission as ensuring her daughter marry and marry well, and her moods and her moves continually pivot as she works to achieve her goals. Amiot creates an endearing and occasionally exasperated patriarch.

The two main couples — Scharf and Andrews as Elizabeth and Darcy and Kim Gapinski and Cory Enriquez as Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley — work well together. Scharf and Andrews hit all the necessary beats of the enemies-to-lovers trope and Gapinski and Enriquez are convincingly smitten with one another.

Cait McNeal, in addition to writing the script, plays Bingley’s sister, Caroline, and serves as choreographer. The choreography plays an important storytelling role, illuminating the dynamics between the different characters, even if it looks like the dullest Soul Train Line ever.

The biggest problem with Saturday’s performance is that a few of the actors spoke too softly and were difficult to hear at times, especially in the scenes where there is music. The music could be turned down a notch, but some of the performers need to project more, because fans of Austen will want to hear every word of that dialogue.

If you go …

WHAT: “Pride & Prejudice”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Kent State University at Trumbull, 4314 Mahoning Ave. NW, Champion

HOW MUCH: Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for students and senior citizens and $11 for children ages 12 and younger and free for Kent students and faculty. Tickets are available online atwww.kent.edu/trumbull/theatre and by calling 330-675-8887.