A bedroom set aflame and haunting laughter is heard throughout the halls. Who is responsible? What secrets hide behind the walls? In the midst of it all, two people fall in love. But how will they live happily ever after?
Charlotte Brontė's masterpiece arrives on stage at Brethren Christian High School's production of "Jane Eyre: A Musical Drama." Nominated for a Tony for Best Musical in 2001, John Caird's and Paul Gordan's musical closely resembles the novel, following the title character as she finds her true love only to discover Thornfield's best kept secret.
The strong cast of both junior and high school students was anchored by the talents of Nicole Braun (Jane Eyre) and Ryan Strong (Edward Rochester). In "Sirens," their beautiful voices wove together to produce a heart-wrenching duet of their seemingly unrequited love. In "The Captive Bird," Braun's expressive face attempted to hide her shock when Rochester easily recognized her desire for adventure. Her anger at her own foolishness in "Painting Her Portrait" demonstrated her versatility and ease with changing moods. Strong's transformation from the stiff and moody Rochester into an old gypsy woman, complete with realistic falsetto, provided much-needed comic relief to an otherwise serious character.
J.T. Roque's portrayal of the preening, self-absorbed socialite Blanche Ingram contrasted well with that of Margaret Nkansah's Helen, whose mantra of forgiveness became a running theme. Taylor Lardas' (Bertha Mason) floating voice in "Sirens," as well as her dancing inbetween Braun and Strong visually reminded the audience that she stood between their happiness.
Robert's (Patrick Quinn) frustration at Mrs. Fairfax's (Kelsey Coleman) deafness provided comic relief in songs like "Perfectly Nice" and "The Master Returns." Amanda Martin (Grace Poole) added to her interpretation of the creepy maid with her insolent responses and expressions. The narrating ensemble spoke at the perfect pace, slowly enough to be understood but quickly enough for the story to continue.
The lighting design (Austin K. Johnston and Grant Carpenter) lit up most of the actors' faces. The stage crew (Josh Mar, Montgomery Shaw, Joey Shope, and Keegan Lund) ensured that all actors were ready for their entrances. The cast moved the chairs and tables quickly, entering and exiting without distracting from the other characters' songs.
Brethren Christian's exceptional production of "Jane Eyre: A Musical Drama" beautifully expressed the novel's messages of forgiveness, independence, and love. Brontė first published "Jane Eyre" in 1847, but these themes still resound over 160 years later.
Rebecca Miller attends St. Margaret's Episcopal School.
