Friday, January 28, 2011
Jane Austen's Emma Romances The Old Globe
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| Patti Murin as Emma and Adam Monley as Mr. Knightley Photos by Henry DiRocco |
Numerous book clubs and chat groups are dedicated to the discussion of Jane Austen’s heroines. There is a Jane Austen Society, an official Jane Austen magazine, an annual Jane Austen Festival and a wide variety of Jane Austen games available, not to mention the films made and remade from her classic novels. You can even take an online quiz to determine which of her heroines you are most like.
With the ongoing love affair of all things Jane, is it any wonder that one of her most distinctive heroines, Emma, should be the subject of a brand new musical?
Jane Austen’s EMMA - A Musical Romantic Comedy, with book, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon, is now playing at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, directed with a wink by Jeff Calhoun and starring a bright, sparkling Patti Murin in the title role. Murin fills the stage with endlessly vibrant energy making this perfectly proper, hopelessly flawed Emma a maddening delight.Gordon’s adaptation retains the essentials of the classic story of a young woman whose matchmaking attempts create far more chaos than she ever anticipated. Though cautioned by her friend Mr. Knightley (Adam Monley), who sees the folly of her misguided meddling before she even begins, Emma’s pronouncement that her leisure is other people’s pleasure tells us her mind is thoroughly made up.
After taking credit for the happily married status of her ex-governess, the new Mrs. Weston (Amanda Naughton), she decides to find a bride for Mr. Elton (Brian Herndon) the vicar. Enter one Harriet Smith (Dani Marcus), a simple young woman of no particular means or status, and voilà, Emma has his intended within reach.
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| Adam Daveline and Dani Marcus |
More mishaps follow with the arrival of Jane Fairfax (the lovely Allison Spratt Pearce), whom Emma can’t quite figure out, and the esteemed Frank Churchill (Will Reynolds), who initially appears to be a perfect match for Emma but is keeping a secret. A mysterious pianoforte provides a hilarious scene that sparks Emma’s competitive nature although she is outdone by Jane’s natural ability and grace in the end.Some of the evening’s most comical moments belong to Marcus’ Harriet and a walnut she carries with her - not just any walnut, but one given to her by Mr. Martin to which she lovingly sings at any opportunity. No matter that she has already refused his marriage proposal; she still swoons at the mere mention of his name, and Marcus gets the laughs every time.
Gordon has also given her one of the best comedy songs in musical theatre since Jerry Herman wrote “Gooch’s Song” for Agnes in Mame. I would bet that “Humiliation” will go into every young character woman’s audition book as soon as the sheet music becomes available.
As for the rest of the score, Gordon’s music is a dream, from the downbeat of “Hartfield,” which propels us into the world of Regency England, through “The Epiphany” when Emma realizes it’s been Mr. Knightley she has loved all along. In between are more beautiful melodies than you can count and poetry that will satisfy every hopeless romantic in the audience, a highlight being Knightley’s “Emma,” which soars to the rafters and is one of Adam Monley’s finest vocal moments of the night.
The action plays out on, and in front of, a gorgeous hedgerow maze by scenic designer Tobin Ost. Magnificently clean and commanding, it features a turntable that moves from one end of the maze across the front of the stage and out the other, delivering everything from people to furniture to the above mentioned pianoforte in an almost constant state of motion.
Denitsa Bliznakova’s period costumes are lovely and Michael Gilliam’s lighting plays up the comedy in the show quite effectively. And, of course, musical director Laura Bergquist has once again made magic of the music, as she did previously with Gordon’s Ovation Award-winning musical, Daddy Long Legs, which played throughout Southern California last year and quickly became a favorite of mine.
Happily, the love affair continues with Jane Austen's EMMA by Paul Gordon and there is no end in sight. For Austen lovers, musical theatre fans, and all you romantics out there, this one’s for you.
The show has been extended to run through March 6th. For tickets and more information go to www.theoldglobe.org.
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Labels: old globe, paul gordon, review
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Daddy Long Legs Enchants Audiences at La Mirada Theatre
I love this musical as much now as the first time I saw it at Rubicon Theatre…then at The Broad Stage…and currently at La Mirada Theatre, where it will run through November 21st. Many a friend and colleague has heard me rave about the show, and it remains on the top of my recommendation list of musicals to see, especially since it features its original cast, Megan McGinnis and Robert Adelman Hancock. If you are anywhere within driving distance of La Mirada, GO see this show. If you’ve got a heart, this story will touch it.Based on the novel by Jean Webster, and beautifully adapted and directed by John Caird (Tony Award winner for Les Misérables and Tony nominated for Jane Eyre), and composer Paul Gordon, it is the story of Jerusha Abbott, an 18-year orphan who is unexpectedly given the opportunity to go to college by an unnamed trustee of the orphanage.
There she begins a new journey of discovery, one which we are able to experience with her via her required letters to the mysterious “Mr. Smith,” whom she promptly nicknames “Daddy Long Legs.” One of the few things she knows about her benefactor is that he is very tall, having seen him in the shadows as he was leaving the orphanage one night.
Beyond that she knows that he is rich, that he will not respond to her letters, and that he doesn’t like girls, since he’s only sponsored the education of boys previously. We laugh as she ponders what Daddy looks like. Old? Gray? Bald? And eventually concludes that he is a kindly old gentleman of 93…an assumption that “Daddy” finds humorous since he knows he is actually a young man.
We also feel the ache in Jerusha’s voice as she says, “the things that most girls, with a properly assorted family and friends and a library, know by absorption, I’ve never even heard of.” She reveals the embarrassment of not knowing Michelangelo was a painter and not an archangel or of thinking that Florence Nightingale was a Freshman, leaving her feeling like “Alice in Wonderland stranded at Vanity Fair…I’m so many years behind. I’m still so many years behind.” Her humanity speaks to us all, for who in their life hasn't felt like an outsider, yearned for something better, or wanted to belong
As she blossoms into a young woman we also see the affect she has upon her benefactor. Born wealthy through no effort of his own, he is a humble man who keeps to himself, preferring the company of his books to the intrusion of people. Never intending to become interested in her life beyond affording her a proper education, he finds himself looking forward to her letters, wondering what she will say next.
And why not? The humor Jerusha displays in spite of her limited upbringing is endearing. She is disarmingly inquisitive, thoughtful, spirited, and sincere in a way that propels her into your heart before you even know that it’s happened.
Continuing the roles they both originated are Megan McGinnis as Jerusha and Rob Hancock as Jervis Pendleton a.k.a. Daddy Long Legs. As I’ve said before, McGinnis is luminous onstage with the voice of a nightingale, and in this vivacious star-turn of a performance, she continues to be magnificent. Jerusha is a role this Broadway actress was born to play, adding to her previous Broadway credits that include Beth in Little Women, Eponine in Les Misérables and Belle in Beauty and the Beast.
Hancock, a tall, boyishly handsome actor with piercing blue eyes, is a natural in the role of Jervis Pendleton / Daddy Long Legs and it is great fun to watch his own unexpected journey of self-discovery. (Regional audiences might recognize him from his starring role in the national tour of Mamma Mia!) When Jerusha signs one of her letters ‘Love, Jerusha’ at the end of the first act, he is taken aback by the sentiment (“What Does She Mean by Love?”), not understanding. How can she use the word ‘love’ when, in his mind, all he has done is provide her with the opportunity to become educated?
This new ending to Act I, plus several plot and song changes in the second act (all made since the original version at Rubicon), deepens the story and make it better than ever. And oh, the music! Paul Gordon’s score is filled with beautiful melodies and clever lyrics you’ll find yourself singing long after the show has ended. The way he captures a thought and sets it to music somehow makes a direct bee line to your heart. Gordon was nominated for a Tony Award for his music and lyrics for Jane Eyre and he has another new musical, Emma, based on Jane Austen’s novel, opening at The Old Globe in San Diego in January (good reason for a road trip).
The outstanding Daddy Long Legs design team includes David Farley (set and costumes), Paul Toben (lighting), T. Theresa Scarano (props), and Brad Haak (musical supervision & orchestrations, together with Paul Gordon). Julie McBride is the musical director & conductor of the six-piece orchestra, and Laura Bergquist provided additional arrangements and original musical direction.
Daddy Long Legs continues at La Mirada Theatre through November 21st. Tickets are available at www.lamiradatheatre.com.
Whether Jerusha is thoughtfully pondering the secret of happiness or humorously observing the behavior of men, “they purr if you rub them the right way; they spit if you don’t,” you'll find yourself thinking about your own life in a way you may not have before. Don’t miss this enchanting musical, sure to become a classic favorite.
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Labels: daddy long legs, john caird, la mirada theatre, megan mcginnis, paul gordon, rob hancock
Friday, June 18, 2010
Daddy Long Legs Comes to The Broad Stage
I first saw Daddy Long Legs when it premiered to sold-out crowds last year at Rubicon Theatre (read article here) and loved everything about it. The enchanting musical with gorgeous music by composer Paul Gordon is directed by Tony-award winner John Caird and is making its rolling premiere around the country.Based on Jean Webster’s novel of the same name, it follows Jerusha Abbott, an orphan whose writing has caught the attention of one of the orphanage’s benefactors, a mysterious “Mr. Smith,” who decides to send her to college so she can continue her education. Part of the arrangement is that Jerusha must write him monthly letters detailing her progress, however he will not write back nor will he even read her letters. They will never meet and she will never know his true identity.
While writing her first letter to him she realizes she only knows three things about him – that he is tall, he is rich, and he hate girls. Since she cannot address the letters to Dear Mr. Girl Hater (which would be insulting to her), or Dear Mr. Rich Man (because that would be insulting to him…and he might not be rich for that much longer), she decides she’s pretty sure he’ll stay tall. And so, the letters will be addressed to Dear Daddy Long Legs.
As she begins college we become privy to her innermost thoughts, heartaches and longings. She reveals the embarrassment of not knowing things that other girls know, like that Michelangelo was a painter and not an archangel, and that Florence Nightingale is a singer and not a freshman, leaving her feeling like “Alice in Wonderland stranded in Vanity Fair…I’m so many years behind. I’m still so many years behind.” Her humanity speaks to us all, for who in their life hasn’t felt like an outsider, yearned for something better, or wanted to belong.
Jerusha may have a mind that is “an abyss of ignorance” as she says, however this young woman is quite extraordinary. She is imaginative, impetuous, inquisitive and determined to make something of herself, and her perspective of the world is utterly refreshing. How can you not help but fall in love with her?
Megan McGinnis is the heart of this two-person musical, continuing her luminous portrayal of Jerusha with an honesty and charm that will speak to the heart of every woman in the audience. She created the role of Beth in Little Women on Broadway and also did turns as Eponine in Les Miserables and Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Here she lights up the stage in a role that was absolutely made for her.
Robert Adelman Hancock plays Jervis Pendleton, a.k.a. Daddy Long Legs and has matured beautifully in the role. Watching Hancock read Jerusha’s letters is great fun as he finds himself caught off guard by the thoughts she puts to page. He, too, is charming and awkward and endearing every step of the way. I’ll wager that if you haven’t shed a tear by the time he gets to “Charity” in the second act, you will there.
David Farley’s period-perfect library set acts as a variety of locations and even appears to dissolve as Paul Toben backlights it for outdoor scenes. Musical Director Laura Bergquist leads a six-piece orchestra in some of the most beautiful melodies you’ll hear anywhere.
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching is “The Secret of Happiness” in which Jerusha says, “You know daddy, it isn’t the big troubles in life that require character. Anyone can rise to a crisis and face a crushing tragedy with courage. But to meet the petty hazards of the day with a laugh, I really think that requires spirit. I’ve discovered the secret of happiness is…”
If you want to know what that secret is, you’ll have to see the show for yourself. Believe me, you’ll be glad you did.
Daddy Long Legs runs through June 27th at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Tickets are available at www.thebroadstage.com/ or by calling the box office at 310-434-3200. For more information about the show go to www.daddylonglegsmusical.com/.
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Labels: broad stage, daddy long legs, john caird, megan mcginnis, paul gordon, rob hancock
Friday, October 23, 2009
An Enchanting Daddy Long Legs for Rubicon Theatre
This is my kind of musical. I love beautiful music, characters that take me along with them on their journey of discovery, and a story that tugs at my heart. This enchanting world premiere musical at Rubicon Theatre contains all of that, and much more.Writers Paul Gordon (music & lyrics) and John Caird (book) have transformed Jean Webster’s novel, Daddy Long Legs, into a heartwarming and poignant musical that tells the story of Jerusha Abbott, an 18 year old girl who has grown up at the John Grier Home for orphans.
When a trustee of the home reads an essay she has written and sees promise in her writing, he offers to send her to college to continue her education. His only requirements are that she must write him monthly letters, even though he will not write her back, and that she will never know his identity. She sees him once in the shadows and nicknames him “Daddy Long Legs.”
Beyond that, all she can do is imagine the rest of the details with a wit and fascination that make her wonder…is he old or is he very old? Is his hair black or white, thinning or balding? This is a girl you can’t help but fall in love with, especially when brought to life by Megan McGinnis. She has a voice like a nightingale and in this vivacious star-turn of a performance, she is magnificent. Her honest portrayal of the intelligent, self-determined young woman is inspiring and filled with layers of emotional depth.
The other half of this two person musical is Robert Adelman Hancock, who takes on the role of Jervis Pendleton, a.k.a. Daddy Long Legs. Becoming the benefactor to less fortunate students such as Jerusha is his attempt at soothing his guilty conscience over being born with a silver spoon in his mouth. The terms for his help have always been the same and he has never before become involved in the lives of those he has helped. This time, however, he finds himself accidentally, unwittingly and completely enthralled by Jerusha and her letters.
Hancock workshopped the role of Jervis in Daddy Longs Legs as part of Rubicon’s Plays-in-Progress development program and does a fine job of bringing him to life in this full production. His dashing good looks and warm lyric baritone voice make him a perfect complement to McGinnis’ spirited presence onstage. Through their eyes we witness the roller coaster of emotions that occur in a relationship between two people, whether it be friends, lovers, associates, or even between two people who have never really met.
Musical Director Laura Bergquist leads a six-piece orchestra in Paul Gordon’s score full of beautiful melodies. Gordon was nominated for a Tony Award for Jane Eyre, directed by John Caird, and also wrote the musical Emma, (which I had seen at NAMT, and premiered at TheatreWorks in Palo Alto in 2007). Caird is best known for his London and Broadway creations of Les Misérables and Nicholas Nickleby, which won Tony and Olivier Awards.
Daddy Long Legs runs through November 8, 2009 at Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. Tickets are available at www.rubicontheatre.org, or by calling the box office at 805-667-2900.
Whether Jerusha is thoughtfully pondering the secret of happiness or humorously observing the behavior of men, “they purr if you rub them the right way; they spit if you don’t,” you'll find yourself thinking about your own life in a way you may not have before. I say don’t miss this charming musical, sure to become a classic favorite.
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Labels: daddy long legs, john caird, megan mcginnis, paul gordon, rob hancock, rubicon theatre