A Musical Bonbon

Emma – Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

In an age when social media has usurped our lives, it’s refreshing to visit a time when people actually spoke to each other, and with eloquence, too. As in all her stories, Jane Austen’s fourth novel is an 1815 comedy of manners, set in Georgian-Regency England. The title character, however, is unlike Austen’s other heroines in that Emma is pretty, smart and rich, but also strong-minded, overindulged and rather full of herself. Because a woman’s goal and main occupation at that time focused on landing a good husband, Emma is also unlike her peers. While she fancies herself an accomplished matchmaker for other young women, Emma isn’t particularly interested in marriage herself. As one of the self-entitled, she finds meddling in other people’s lives far more fun and fulfilling than minding her own business.

Talented Tony-nominated and Jeff Award-winning playwright Paul Gordon has captured Austen’s irrepressible spirit in his elegant, briskly-paced, brightly creative theatrical adaptation. Add in Mr. Gordon’s lush musical score, peppered with its cleverly witty lyrics, and we have a musical bonbon that lifts the classic to another level of entertainment. Theatergoers will delight in seeing each of the novel’s characters brought to life under the sharp direction of Barbara Gaines. Austen fans will relish this delicious theatrical interpretation, which includes stylized characterizations, witty dialogue and emphasizes character over plot.

Ms. Gaines’ production is truly a sumptuous feast for the eye and ear. Highly inventive, the sixteen member cast features a multitalented company of energetic and versatile actors who portray all the major characters in this story. This gifted ensemble truly embodies the tenor and tone of Jane Austen’s various delightful personalities. From proud, aristocratic matchmaker Emma Woodhouse and her stuffy father, so reluctant to change; to the innocent, endearing Harriet Smith and Emma’s candidly critical neighbor and friend, George Knightly, the array of likability on the CST stage is endless. 

The technical support for this play is as topnotch as its cast. Scott Davis’ modest, gorgeous versatile scenic design works well on the Courtyard stage. His pastel palette is largely comprised of draped chiffon fabric, crystal chandeliers and an occasional doorway or piece of furniture flown in. This sparse style harkens back to a simpler time and place. Mariann Verheyen’s exquisitely chic pastel period costumes, each one unique to the character wearing it, provides additional visual rapture in texture, color and variety. Donald Holder’s lighting design beautifully bathes the cast in the soft, Regency Era illumination of English gardens and drawing rooms. Richard Jarvie’s period-perfect wig and makeup designs also help set the right tone. And Kory Danielson’s five-member orchestra, the always expert musical direction provided by Roberta Duchak and choreography created by Jane Lanier make Gordon’s music sing.

In the title role, Lora Lee Gayer magnificently commandeers and grounds the story. As Emma Woodhouse, this beautiful actress, who’s seldom offstage, appears to be everything Jane Austen describes in her novel: handsome, clever and rich. And she’s a constant, graceful and articulate catalyst, who provokes and inspires the rest of the characters; but Ms. Gayer’s Emma is also spoiled, headstrong and supremely overestimates her talent as a matchmaker. Reminding this reviewer of a cross between Reese Witherspoon and Kristin Chenoweth, Ms. Gayer displays a mellifluous vocal style, a bubbling personality and bountiful amounts of style. All of this while playing a woman who’s blind to the calamities of how meddling in other people’s lives may often lead her astray.

The supporting cast is a delight. Talented, handsome Brad Standley effortlessly takes on the role of George Knightley. He is charming and charismatic, possessed with an aristocratic attitude that allows him to observe Emma’s machinations and offer a gentle scolding, whenever needed. Possessing a radiant singing voice, Mr. Standley caresses every tune with ease, especially the title song. The gifted Larry Yando, always a delight, is a favorite Chicago character actor who’s been enjoyed in so many plays and musicals all over town. In this production, Mr. Yando plays the morose Mr. Woodhouse with proper aplomb and good humor.  

Ephie Aardema is absolutely wonderful as Harriet Smith. She’s effervescent and enthralling, having been taken under Emma’s wing as her next matchmaking project. Ms. Aardema makes this enchanting character an audience favorite in this musical story. She’s sweet, innocent and a little spunky in her love for Robert Martin, played with shy adoration by handsome Ian Geers. Other standouts in this cast include handsome, silver-throated Devin DeSantis, as the fine Frank Churchill; Marya Grandy as the funny, eccentric spinster, Miss Bates; lovely Kelli Harrington, all grace and understated glamor, as Emma’s beloved governess and friend, Miss Taylor; as shy, reticent Jane Fairfax, the radiant Erica Stephan is, as ever, faultless and beautifully fascinating. The divinely gifted character actress, Bri Sudia, is brilliant as Mr. Elton’s wealthy, but pretentious, boastful and boorish new wife. In this role Ms. Sudia truly gets to display her accomplished comic talents.

For fans of Jane Austen’s work, this two-hour musical visit to fictional Highbury, England will enchant and entertain. Although many theatergoers may only know this story from the more modern,  1995 film adaptation, “Clueless,” or the 1996 period comedy film, that starred Gwyneth Paltrow in the title role, Paul Gordon’s adaptation breathes new life into this story. He makes the somewhat complicated tale about a self-entitled busybody amusing, honest and authentic. And, the greatest achievement of Barbara Gaines’ loving production, this play is a Valentine, bound to inspire new readers to pick up this novel, while motivating diehard Jane Austen fans to revisit this, and her other novels. More I cannot wish! 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas   

Presented January 28-March 15 by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, in the Courtyard Theater space, on Navy Pier, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 312-595-5600 or going to www.chicagoshakes.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.