Review: Stolen Shakespeare Guild's EMMA is cause for celebration!

 

Emma

By Jon Jory

 Based on the book by Jane Austen

Directed by Libby Hawkins

Produced by Stolen Shakespeare Guild

Reviewed by Natalie Shaw

Dearest Ladies and Gentlemen, 

You are cordially invited to attend our small intimate gathering hosted by Ms. Libby Hawkins, honoring Mr. Woodhouse and Miss Emma Woodhouse on a date of your choosing, at Hartfield. Friends in attendance shall include a Mr. Knightly, Miss Harriet Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Weston, Ms. Jane Fairfax, Miss Bates, and Mr. Frank Churchill, among others to your liking. Refreshments will be served in the beautiful Hartfield Gardens, which boast exquisite blooms in season as precursor to the playing of backgammon and cheerful dancing indoors.

Please RSVP at stolenshakespeareguild.org before the 17th of December in this year of our Lord, 2023.

Should you be among those with the pleasure of receiving this fine invitation, count yourself lucky, indeed! As I have been a fan of the works of Jane Austen since my earlier years, I had it on good authority that I should attend this lively intimate gathering. Upon my arrival, I took note of the cozy, garden setting (masterfully designed by D. Aidan Wright) with rolling flats that allowed for a scenic view of the gardens on one side, but windows upon rotation, while a gorgeous façade of the Hartfield home set nestled in the background. Guests are met with the Highbury town members exchanging greetings on a delightful sunny day with focus on Miss Emma Woodhouse (played by Peyton Rogers with adolescent glee.) Familiar friend, Mr. Knightly (played by Ray Patterson with a gentlemen's grace) exchanges his greeting with Emma, pausing to give one or two seconds more to his special friend, being fond of her "open temper."

Emma fancies herself a matchmaker, after she took note of her correctness in identifying that her previous governess, Miss Taylor (played with maternal agility by Grace Grooms,) and Mr. Weston (played with swift ease by Bradford Reilly) would make a great pair! Emma sets her sights on marrying off her closest friend and companion Miss Harriet Smith (played wistfully by Janina Jaraczewski) with a man of stronger social status than that of her true love, Mr. Martin (played by Hugo Morales Saldana in the performance in which I attended.) Emma, herself, has no interest in marriage,. However, upon meeting Mr. Frank Churchill, who makes his affections more familiar to her, she becomes more open to the idea of love. Additionally, as Emma's attempts at matchmaking prove more and more insufficient, she has begun to see that love outweighs social status, or any manipulations society may impart upon it. And, as always, in true Jane Austen style, love and happiness take hold for our characters in the end. 

Director Libby Hawkins has assembled an exceptional cast of actors and brought this fantastic story to life! If, like me you adore the works of Jane Austen, you will surely love this lively rendition! Stolen Shakespeare Guild's Emma brings enchantment and jubilation to us all this Holiday season! For an evening of carefree enjoyment, make your reservations to see this delectable comedy! 

Audience Rating: PG

Running Time: 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Not Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available

ASL Showing: Not Available

Sound Level: Comfortable volume, may be loud at time for some patrons.

Noises or Visuals to Prepare For: None of note

Y'all Enjoy,

Natalie Shaw