One of literature’s most popular love stories, Pride and Prejudice, will come to life this coming week in a staging by students at Montclair High School. Romance, wit and social criticism collide in Jane Austen’s beloved 1813 novel, which tells of the complex courtship between the independent-minded Elizabeth Bennet and the prideful Mr. Darcy. Before the evening is through, these two passionate individuals will have to overcome their initial misjudgments of each other, the differences in their social standing, and the snobberies, deceits and pretentions swirling around them.

The stage adaptation, written by Jon Jory in 2005, promises to be especially spirited and engaging. Dr. Stephen Vallillo, director of the drama, chose this fast-paced version because it condenses scenes from the novel while still capturing the vital events.

“All of the favorite characters are onstage,” Dr. Vallillo explained. “But the scenes are relatively short and streamlined. They move quickly from one to another, almost cinematically.”

The large cast is a mix of veterans and newcomers, led by senior Elizabeth Post as the quick-witted Elizabeth and junior Collin Kelly-Sordelet as the handsome upper-class Mr. Darcy. Other starring roles include Elena Juliano as the gentle, obedient Jane Bennet and Lina Schoenwiesner as the zealous match-making mother, Mrs. Bennet. The ensemble contains eight seniors, eight juniors, seven sophomores and two freshmen.

A single set will be used for all the locations in the play, although the quick and artful rearrangement of furniture and props will help to mix it up. The period costumes will do most to transport the audience into the early 19th century English countryside, with the young women in bustles, bonnets, ruffles and lace, while the young men are clad in jackets and waistcoats.

The performances will be on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, February 9,10, 11, 2012, at 8 p.m. in the Little Theater in the George Inness Annex, 141 Park St. Tickets are $10 and go on sale in the lobby one hour before the show.