Emma a New Musical

Highly Recommended **** Before telling you about this amazingly charming stage presentation at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, “Emma”, a new musical, let me explain that this is a different type of musical. It is far from the typical musical comedy and is what should be classified as a “chamber musical”. Here is the definition:

Music for two to about nine players that does not require a conductor, in which … It generally refers to a piece of musical theatre that is smaller in scale, … It’s a term borrowed from “chamber music”, where the forces required are less than a full …

While CST is not a tiny space, under the slick direction of Barbara Gaines and the clever set by Scott Davis, we feel the intimacy of the story as if we might be in a much smaller space than the Courtyard main stage. The cast of 19 is larger than one might anticipate in a typical chamber musical, but once again, clever storytelling by Ms Gaines allows for this story to unfold with ease. The book, music and lyrics are by Paul Gordon and of course is adapted from the novel by Jane Austen.

For those of you unfamiliar with Jane Austen’s “Emma” ( and I suppose that would be most of the men) it is a story about Emma Woodhouse ( played to perfection by Lora Lee Gayer). a rich, beautiful matchmaker who knows that her talents are the absolute best. She is seeking a new challenge so that she can once again be victorious. Mind you her father, who feels marriage is unneeded ( Larry Yando shows us that it is not the part that matters, but in fact the actor who plays that role with his great comic touch) is against this.

Her target is Mr. Elton (Dennis William Grimes) considered the most eligible and Harriet Smith ( solidly brought to life by Ephie Aardema) who has been proposed to by a young farmer, Robert Martin (deftly handled by Ian Geers). Emma convinces Harriet not to accept this man and instead she will set her path. Elton does not want this young lady and in fact proposes to Emma. He leaves the area and later returns with a wife, who is played beautifully by Bri Sudia. Later, we get to meet Frank Churchill ( the  estranged son of Mr. Weston ) who is quite the flirt. Devin DeSantis is about as smooth as smooth can be in this role. The story becomes a bit crazy with people falling for people that you might not expect and so I will not tell you more in order not to spoil a beautiful story that will certainly entertain you. Yes, even those who are not into Jane Austen will be entertained.

The other cast members are all what might be called “cast to perfection”. They are Brad Standley as Mr. Knightly, Kelli Harrington as Mrs. Weston, Marya Grandy  always a delight on our area stages) as Miss Bates, Erica Stephan as Jane Fairfax, Michael Milligan as Mr. Weston, and Emily Goldberg as Mrs. Bates. The ensemble is composed of Ms Goldberg, Maxwell J.DeTogne, Brandy Cheyenne Mller and Liam Quealy ( who also serves as dance captain). Each and every cast member is a delight to watch and yes, it appears that they are having as much fun telling us this story as we are having watching it.

The musicians are on the stage, but hidden from our view. Conducted by Kory Danielson, the 5 musicians are responsible for 29 plus musical pieces that tell us this beautiful story. The costumes (Mariann Verheyen) are perfect period even down t the shoes and the wigs (Richard Jarvie) amazing. Donald Holder’s lighting is beautiful ( the chandeliers are exotic) and the sound (Chad Parsley) perfect. The choreography is handled by Jane Lanier. Most of the dance you will find is period, waltz and unlike most typical musicals, but as a “chamber musical” each step is very fitting of telling a wonderful story that teaches us that love cannot be predicted.

“Emma” will continue at CST on Navy Pier thru March 15th with performances as follows:

Stage: Courtyard Theater

Show Type: Musical   tickets range from $35-$90

Box Office: 312-595-5600

www.chicagoshakes.com

Parking at Navy Pier is at a reduced rate ( bring your ticket for validation)

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES:

March 5th both 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  Open-Caption

March 6th  ASL Duo-interpreted    7:30 p.m.

March 8th  Audio described 2 p.m. with optional touch tour at noon

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Emma a new musical”.