|
Jane Eyre
Music & Lyrics by Paul Gordon
Book & Additional Lyrics by John Caird
From the novel by Charlotte Bronte
Directed by Nancy Flaster
Produced by Big Noise Theatre Company
At Prairie Lakes Center
515 E. Thacker Street
Des Plaines, IL
Call 847-604-0275, tickets $12 - $18
Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM
Sundays at 2 PM
Running time is 2 hrs and 35 min with intermission
Through May 21, 2006
“Oh, let me sail away
And make this vow
That what my heart wants
I will not allow,
For as sirens call the sailors,
She calls me now.
Over mountains, over oceans,
Heaven take me away!
For I long for my liberty,
For sweet liberty I pray.”
---“Sweet Liberty” lyrics from Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre is a musical romance story with soaring melodies
Jane Eyre features John Caird’s book and Paul Gordon’s music and lyrics that plays as an epic spectacle in a sweeping love story based on the gothic romantic novel by Charlotte Bronte.
Jane Eyre is a grand epic; a daunting task for any professional theatre company and one surely to be impossible for a community theatre based company. But Big Noise Theatre Company, under the determined creative leadership of Nancy Flaster, sure made a believer out of me. They landed a worthy production of complex musical drama complete with an impressive set and a rich sounding orchestra. Despite some sound issues and some lighting cue misfires, Jane Eyre presents as a dark drama that tells the story of a determined woman struggling to find her place in the world.
 |
More than just a ‘women’s play,’ Jane Eyre appeals to theatre lovers who cherish grand stylistic gothic musicals filled with soaring melodies and stirring harmonies. Jane Eyre (Alexis Armstrong) is the bittersweet story of a strong, passionate girl who survives physical and psychological abuse to grow into a reserved, yet tough high-principled woman. She becomes a governess and falls deeply in love with a troubled and secretive British aristocrat, Edward Fairfax Rochester (Rick Frendt). A scandal at their wedding ceremony sends Jane fleeing Thornfield Hall. After bouts with her past demons, Jane hears Edward’s call in the wind and returns to the aftermath of tragic events to a reunion that at long-last allows her to savor happiness and love.
The fairytale tearful triumphant ending comes after we see and hear Jane’s story told marvelously in haunting, infectious melodies and soaring harmonies sung nicely. The story blends spoken word, in and out of song to bridge the narrative in the epic story. From the sweet “Forgiveness” song by Jane’s childhood friend Helen (weakly sung by Carey Lee Burton) to the optimistic “Sweet Liberty,” we hear songs of passion and hope. In “Secret Soul” Jane and Rochester lament their pain and urn for love. I especially liked the “Painting Her Portrait” ballad sung by Alexis Armstrong as Jane.
Sarah Jane Blevins as Mrs. Fairfax, the deaf and zany housekeeper offers marvelous comic relief with a hilarious turn with “Perfectly Nice” and “Slip of A Girl.” With excellent ensemble work especially from Judy Klarfeld (Mrs. Reed), Mike Weaver (Richard Mason), Amanda Hays (Young Jane Eyre), Jane Eyre has the look and feel of a major Broadway show. The set design (by Rick Frendt) features a two level set with rotating fixtures on each side. Music director Richard Schwegel recreates the soaring epic sounds befitting the emotional Paul Gordon score.
The fine work from Alexis Armstrong as Jane Eyre whose strict Victorian demeanor hides her passion and integrity. Armstrong’s natural beauty shines through her somber expressions and plain black dress. This is a nicely nuanced performance that begs to be seen. Armstrong gives Jane Eyre exactly the proper motivation as she overcomes the social barriers to reach her dreams. Her chemistry with Rick Frendt’s Rochester was sincere.
Rick Frendt, as the troubled and secretive, Rochester, gave a strong, even commanding performance. His voice was effective as he landed a combination of humor, angst and charm giving Rochester enough charisma to entice Jane Eyre’s eye.
Jane Eyre is a musical drama full of somber spirituality, a sweeping love story that has dark tones, dreams of liberty and passion filled with faith, hope and forgiveness. Ultimately, Jane Eyre exemplifies the healing power of love. This production is worth a ride to Des Plaines.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast.
Date Reviewed April 28, 2006
|
