‘Emma’ at the Chance Theater is a Musical Wonder this Holiday Season – Review

Jane Austen’s ‘Emma‘ Dazzles Audiences at the Chance Theater this Holiday Season with Musical Adaptation of the Classic Novel.

The cast of ‘Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical’ at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Doug Catiller.

Under the masterful direction of Founding Resident Artist Casey Long, Jane Austen’s ‘Emma‘ at Chance Theater is an absolute triumph. Upon the opening night festivities, it’s clear this production sets a new standard. Long’s direction ensures that every moment shines, making it impossible not to applaud the outstanding effort from the entire team. I quipped with Long following the show that he needs to retire as a champion going out on top with this musical performance.

This adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved romantic-comedy is transformed into a musical that is both witty and heartwarming. The story of ‘Emma‘, a well-meaning yet disaster-prone matchmaker, is filled with charming characters, sharp dialogue, and a delightful score by Tony-nominated Paul Gordon. It’s a joy to watch ‘Emma‘s comical attempts at matchmaking unravel with hilarious and touching consequences. If this plot sounds familiar, ‘Emma‘ is the inspiration for the 1990s retelling in ‘Clueless‘.

The cast delivers incredible performances, with Sadie Alexander stealing the show as Harriet Smith in her Chance Theater debut. Her portrayal is a delightful mix of vulnerability, comedic timing and charm. Cynthia Espinoza, as Mrs. Elton, is the scene stealer, bringing a spark of brilliance to every subtle movement she makes on stage.

Mandy Foster makes you flustered in how much you want to hate her character yet cannot bring yourself in doing so as the title role of Emma Woodhouse, and Jeff Lowe’s George Knightley is the perfect foil to her antics. The ensemble is filled with talented performers us as, the hilarious Glenn Koppel as Mr. Woodhouse, Deva Marie Gregory as chatty Miss Bates, Davide Costa as the dastardly Mr. Elton, Blake Rhiner as the dashing Frank Churchill, Sierra Jimenez as Emma’s imagined rival, Jane Fairfax, Luc Clopton as the humble Robert Martin, Jonathon Lamer as the reserved Mr. Weston, and Elisabeth Hunter as tactful Mrs. Weston. Each actor brings something special to their roles, contributing to the vibrant energy of the production.

The talented creative team includes including Lex Leigh as Music Director, Masako Tobaru and James Markoski as Production Designers, Bruce Goodrich  as Costume Designer, with Gwen Sloan as Associate Costume Designer, Jordan Jones as Stage Manager, Laurie Smits Staude as Dramaturg, Wyn Moreno  as Dialect Coach, James Markoski as Audio Engineer, and Carina Leland as Assistant Stage Manager.

This special production is dedicated to the memory of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar. A devoted patron, sponsor, and cherished friend, Fyda-Mar served as board president and was instrumental in guiding Chance Theater to its current home in 2014. She remained one of its most passionate supporters until her passing in 2017. Her legacy of love, generosity, and commitment continues to inspire those within the arts.

Jane Austen’s ‘Emma‘ runs from now – December 22, 2024, Chance Theater at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage.

For tickets visit: https://chancetheater.com/emma-tix/ or call the box office at 1-888-455-4212.

Chance Theater at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92807