Worthy of Bronte's Work
Written: Mar 25 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Rich in music, story, and atmosphere
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a good strong classic story,acted by true artists, and beautiful lyrics and music sung by voices of operatic quality, DO NOT miss Jane Eyre.
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| bls19's Full Review: Jane Eyre |
Jane Eyre is a masterpiece of literature. It is filled with pathos,life's lessons, love lost and love found. It is a wonderful book, rich in language and imagery, which has been translated to the musical stage masterfully.
The cast is cohesive and works together beautifully. The characters interact with each other and spin a bewitching tale. Marla Shaffel portrays Jane Eyre, and Lisa Musser is young Jane. As the play opens you hear the story unfold as the two appear on stage together. In a compelling series of flashbacks, the story begins to unwind, and the two act as one telling the story. Ms. Schaffel has a beautiful voice that fills the theater with its warmth and richness. Young Jane holds her own on a stage filled with great talents, and does a wonderful job of portraying the forlorn, and bitter little girl. It is very interesting to watch how the two interact and create believable flashbacks, and often seem to melt into each other. Along with these flashbacks parts of the story are told by the other characters in the background, or as they walk across the stage, in a manner reminiscent of the Greek chorus. They tell the story using, if I am not mistaken, the exact words from passages in Bronte's masterpiece. There are many similarities between this story, its presentation and that of a Greek tragedy.
The other members of the cast appear one by one, each ably portraying their characters, true to the spirit of the book. Jane's uncaring aunt, nasty cousin, the headmaster of the school, the teachers, and the other school girls all play their parts well. Jayne Paterson,is one who stands out as Helen the one student to befriend Jane, and help her find some peace in her life. She and young Jane play off each other very well, and the friendship blossoms.
Another standout in the play is Mary Stout as Mrs. Fairfax. She provides a lightness which is welcome in the dark tale. She is funny, and sweet. She has also appeared on Broadway as Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, and seems to be playing her human counterpart in Jane Eyre.
The best part of the show is James Barbour. He is the master of the manse. He is a man of caustic wit, hard edges and sarcasm. However, he is a tormented soul with secrets, and a deep sadness to him. Mr. Barbour fills the stage with his presence. He is quite tall, and has a commanding stage presence which with his incredible voice takes over the stage. His voice is rich, warm, and full bodied. It fills every corner of the theater, and when combined with Ms. Schaffel's there is not a more beautiful sound to hear.
Whether you have read the book or not ( I have, my husband hasn't.) you can enjoy this show. We both loved it. All you need is a love of good theater, literature, language, story and music, and you will not be disappointed.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
bls19
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Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 2 members
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