Jane Eyre: a review
Jennifer Duncan
Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: Arts and Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
Approximately 2,100 persons attended the musical production, which was under the direction of Craig and Robin Ralston. David Fitzgerald was the Technical Director.
The cast of 38 featured Alisha Boley in the title role of Jane Eyre, with Luke Perrie and Ernie Severe sharing the role of Edward Fairfax Rochester.
Fourteen children from the community played orphans, and Jane as a young girl.
A 16-member ensemble which acted as a chorus several times throughout the musical, giving the drama added depth and strength.
The musical, based on Charlotte Bronte's nineteenth century novel, focused on the life of Jane, an orphan girl who overcomes an abusive childhood and the death of her best friend, to become the governess of Thornfield Hall. At Thornfield Hall, Jane falls in love with Edward Rochester, an Earl with a dark secret.
On their wedding day, she discovers his secret. Shocked, Jane flees to her childhood home to find that her aunt is dying. Even though Jane's aunt treated her cruelly when she was a child, Jane forgives her.
In her absolution of her aunt, and the realization that she is someone who can love and be loved in exchange, Jane returns to Thornfield Hall, only to discover it has been burned to the ground and Rochester has been blinded.
Jane and Rochester are married and soon Rochester's sight partially returns to that he is able to see his new-born son.
Love and forgiveness are central themes that are intertwined throughout the play.
The cast performed with vibrancy and energy, displaying the type of intensity that draws the audience into the life of Jane and the lives of those around her.
The artistic staging and lighting were quite effective, with the addition of projected video and still photography adding to the visual image of the production. Sound effects also were realistic.
"Jane Eyre" was a thoroughly enjoyable musical. The acting and singing were enhanced by a 28-member orchestra made up largely of CCC students.
In total, 2-1/2 hour musical was well-worth the time spent, and the effort the cast and crew, with their directors, obviously put into the production.
Be the first to comment on this story