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Critics say “Emma” is Jane Austen’s true masterpiece; it was her fourth novel. Written i 1815, it sadly was also the last of her published works before her death in 1817. Many of us are probably much more familiar with the 1995 film adaptation “Clueless”. But now, “Emma” is a musical. And if you can do it with Shakespeare, why not Austen?
Chicago Shakespeare’s production of the musical “Emma” is like any Austen novel: satisfying, genteel, and lightweight. As directed by CST founder Barbara Gaines, the CST production is elegant and relaxing. Paul Gordon wrote the book, music, and lyrics; with “Emma”, Gaines and Gordon have reunited after their Jeff Award winning production of “Sense and Sensibility”.
Although the music and songs may not be memorable, with perhaps the exception of “Mr. Robert Martin” (and if you attend, you’ll understand why), music director.Kory Danielson and a discretely tucked onstage orchestra make it all sound glorious with a beautiful flow. Some of the songs are quite lengthy (“Should We Ever Meet”), some are lovely (“Emma”), and a few are quite humorous (“Relations”).
The musical adaptation doesn’t stray too far from the novel. In the small town of Highbury, the privileged and pampered Emma has made it her mission to matchmake. As misguided as her efforts are, her intentions are good, but she meddles and interferes despite the continued warning from family friend Mr. Knightley.
By the way, their very obvious and continued bantering can only result in one thing, although in this production what turns the tide isn’t so clear or obvious. And what Emma does to matchmake orphaned Harriet almost results in major catastrophes for several characters. But rest assured, all endings are happily guaranteed and predictable.
Broadway star Lora Lee Gayer is Emma. She sings like a nightingale and she is a beautiful Austen heroine and master of the over the shoulder glance, but her Emma is arrogant, vain, and at times quite unlikable. True, Austen herself said Emma would be a “heroine whom no one but myself would much like”, but I wish Gayer had been allowed to play more of Emma’s redeeming qualities and sweet cluelessness.
Brad Stanley is a suave, handsome and romantic Mr. Knightley, very capable of credible emotions, and he delivers the necessary comedic tension with a bite. Equally charming is Devin DeSantis as the elusive and sought after Mr. Churchill; Ian Geers is the heart breakingly steadfast farmer Robert Martin while Dennis William Grimes is the insufferable comic relief in the form of vicar Mr. Elton. Favorite Chicago veteran actor Larry Yando plays Emma’s gruffly adorable widowed father.
The women are all English roses and gracefully talented actresses. Standouts are Ephie Arden’s as a pure Harriet, Erica Stephan as Emma’s lovely nemesis Jane Fairfax, and the scene stealing Bri Suda as regal Mrs. Elton.
The staging is straightforward and vivacious. Scott Davis’ set design is breathtakingly simple with massive, delicate translucent drapery complete with golden tassels and glittering chandeliers and Regency set pieces.Mariann Verheyen’s costumes are so luscious, you wish there were more..
This musical is pure romance; Chicago Shakespeare should enjoy much pride in this production; I have no prejudice in recommending that you attend.
• Regina Belt-Daniels has loved acting since her starring role as a rather bossy Mother Goose in first grade. She continues to do what she loves best:act, direct, travel with her husband, teach, write theater reviews and enthusiastically serve on theater boards throughout northern Illinois.