After some light melody overture and ensemble song, the star of the story, Emma Woodhouse (Lora Lee Gayer), enters singing about her matchmaking prowess. With a perky and sometimes coy smile, lilting gait and blond curly doo, both character and actress could be called quite the charmer. Jane Austen’s story then unfolds, telling of how Emma cluelessly wreaks havoc on the lives of those around her. She meddles always, and with no doubt of her brilliance in doing so. Her one detractor, a relation of sorts, Mr. Knightley (Brad Standley), cautions her again and again. He chides, ridicules and eventually deals her the worst blow of sharing his deep disappointment in her. It’s the kind of disappointment, we soon realize, that only someone helplessly in love with this charmer could feel. Emma is, to paraphrase Mr. Knightley, absolutely flawless, despite her many flaws.
Chicago Shakespeare Returns SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Creator to Their Stage
Much as the simple set design of curtains transported to Austen-world time and place, so do the lyrics.. Paul Gordon wrote book, music and lyrics. It’s the latter that so impressed this reviewer. Gordon has distilled that Austen dialogue rhythm so well that you too may feel like you are turning the pages of this famed novel.
It would surprise this reviewer if you leave this 31-song musical humming any particular tune, with the possible exception of Mr. Knightley’s emotional reveal song Emma. Was it Gordon’s music or Standley’s delivery? It is the kind of heart in your throat moment via melody you always want in a musical.
Gayor and Standley’s top notch performances are matched by those of the characters around them—and in true Austen fashion, they truly are all characters. If you’re an American who has always admired (imagined?) that Brits were far more tolerant-to-admiring of idiosyncratic one-offs, you’ll find a collection of lovables here—from the crotchedy father (Larry Yando), the less monied girlfriend with little status to trade on in marriage (Ephie Aardema), the smarmy social climber Vicar (Mr. Elton), and more.
If you once devoured Jane Austen’s works, this is especially a top pick Singing Cliff Notes reminder of why you fell in love with her pen. This isn’t theater that turns your world upside down. This is strictly entertainment that will put a lilt in your step akin to that of charmer Emma/Gayer.
