The EmilyAnn undertakes the haunting, Tony nominated musical, Jane Eyre
The EmilyAnn Theatre undertakes the daunting task of staging the Tony nominated production, Jane Eyre, the Musical. Charlotte Brontë’s classic gothic romance is brought to life in Jane Eyre.
This musical adaptation follows the independent, passionate governess Jane Eyre, through her harsh childhood after being left as an orphan to an uncaring aunt, through her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets the mysterious and magnetic Edward Fairfax Rochester, master of the house and warden of her pupil. Though drawn to each other, they are haunted by the ghosts of Mr. Rochester’s past, which threaten to enjoy any possibilities of a future of love or happiness for either. This Tony Award-nominated musical features a grand, sweeping score that transports the audience to a world of wild, ungovernable passion on the moors.
To bring this all star musical to life, the EmilyAnn has assembled an allstart production team and cast, the dream team. Artistic Director, Bridget Gates, directs the musical and has costumed the show, as well. Madison Tatman and Tommie Jackson are leading the music direction. Chris McKnight’s beautiful and haunting lighting design is intricate and gorgeous. Jordyn and Devyn Collie have once again lent their talents to painting the intimate theatre’s floor to represent the show’s stylized romantic and gothic storytelling.
The cast features Devyn Collie as Jane Eyre and Derek Smootz as Edward Rochester, and they are accompanied by a cast of 28 others, including many Texas State students, EmilyAnn core company members, and Wimberley favorites, as well as a small chorus of schoolgirls, all of which take drama classes at the EmilyAnn Theatre.
Director Bridget Gates saw Jane Eyre, the Musical on Broadway, and fell in love…hard. She had read Charlotte Bronte’s haunting novel in an advanced English course in 8th grade and immediately declared it one of her favorite books, and it still is one of her all-time favorites. Jane Eyre is widely considered to be one of the first feminist novels. Jane’s independence, intelligence, strong will, deep moral convictions, and passion stand firm, amid a very male-dominated Victorian England. Bronte’s language in this novel is very poetic and musical, which lends itself perfectly to musical theatre form. We hope, gentle reader, that Jane’s unbreakable and brave spirit inspires you to spread your wings and fly to your Sweet Liberty.
Jane Eyre, the Musical runs at the EmilyAnn’s Burdine Johnson Indoor Studio Theatre February 1-24, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm. Seating is limited so buy your tickets online at www.emilyann.org.