Charlotte Brontē's JANE EYRE .. a classic in so many ways, blooms in Pasadena on the A Noise Within Stage. Adapted by Elizabeth Williamson from the Brontē novel, we meet the spunky orphan , Jane (spot on Jeanne Syquia) who struggles to overcome more hardships than the Labors of Hercules and comes out smelling like a rose!
In the mid 2000s, A Noise Within founders Geoff and Julia Roderiquez-Elliott set out to invite the City of Pasadena to a huge party and here we are all these years later with a beauty of a space.. a fully functioning stage and technical operation and a collection of actors and designers and all who. with this gorgeous production put the 'goth' in Gothic.
JANE EYRE is the extraordinariy tale of a young woman (who narrates her own story) whose will to not only survive, but to succeed on her own terms fills the room with excellence. Gushing is something I try not to do, but the circumstances of this production warrant a comment. Last night's production was, because of being unable to open as scheduled last week, was the first tme the entire cast and crew played to an audience. It all worked!
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| Deborah Strang, Jeanne Syquia (seated), and Trisha Miller Photo by Craig Schwartz |
Of the many productions I've reviewed over the years, both in Glendale and at ANW in Pasadena, this show may be right up there with Noises Off! in Dirctor Geoff Elliott's list of many credits.
Frederica Nascimento's ever changing set morphs wth smooth transitions taking us from one location to another. Rochester (Frederick “Freddy” Stuart) rants and bellows precisely over the top, parried blow for blow by the wonderful Jeanne Syquia as Jane.
The show is double and triple cast with my rave fave Deborah Strang as Mrs. Fairfax/Lady Ingram/Mrs. Reed
Thanks to Angela Balogh Calin's perfect period costumes, we are transported to the heart of mid 19th Century England.. Elliott's stage pictures and choreography .. including a terrific fire, a deluge of rain, even Jane's trip on a carriage ride leaving her in the middle of nowhere (as it should be). All meld to smooth as silk story telling.
A surprise in one scene sared the heck out of me!
A Noise Within's gift is not only to Pasadena, but to all who value the 'classics' and the expertise of Theatre Professionals. Please support this excellent effort.
CAST
Jane Eyre . Jeanne Syquia*
Mr. Rochester Frederick “Freddy” Stuart*
Mrs. Fairfax/Lady Ingram/Mrs. Reed Deborah Strang*
Blanche/Bessie/Grace Poole .
Trisha Miller*
Mason/St. John Rivers/John Reed . .
Riley Shanahan*
Priest/John/Doctor . . Bert Emmett*
Young Jane/Adele. . . . .Stella Bullock
Leah/Mary Ingram/Diane Rivers/Bertha . . . Julia Manis
Crxeative Team:
Scenic designer Frederica Nascimento; Costume designer Angela Balogh Calin; Lighting designer Ken Booth;
Composer sound designer Robert Oriol;
Wig and make up designer Tony Valdés; Properties designer Stephen Taylor; Dalect coach Andrea Odinov; and Dramaturg Miranda Johnson-Haddad. Production stage manager Cassy Sottile, assisted by Katelyn Hampton.
Jane Eyre
• Adapted by Elizabeth Williamson from the novel by Charlotte Brontë
• Directed by Geoff Elliott
• Starring Stella Bullock, Bert Emmett, Julia Manis, Trisha Miller, Riley Shanahan, Deborah Strang, Frederick Stuart, Jeanne Syquia
• Presented by A Noise Within, Geoff Elliot and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, producing artistic directors
Previews March 23 – March 28:
• Sunday at 2 p.m. / Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Performances April 3 – April 20, 2025:
• Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7: 30 p.m. / Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
ADDITIONAL DATES:
• A one-hour INsiders Discussion Group will take place prior to the matinee on Sunday, March 30 beginning at 12:30 p.m.
• Post-performance conversations with the artists every Friday (except the preview) and Sunday, April 6.
• Student matinees are scheduled on select weekdays at 10:30 a.m. Interested educators should email education@anoisewithin.org.
WHERE:
A Noise Within
3352 E Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
TICKETS:
• Tickets start at $51.50 (including fees)
• Student tickets start at $20
• Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27 (previews): Pay What You Choose starting at $10 (available online beginning the Monday prior to that performance)
• Discounts available for groups of 10 or more
HOW:
www.anoisewithin.org
(626) 356-3100
