Featured as the last production for the Theatre Department’s season, “Emma,” written by Jane Austen, hopes to transport audiences to a world of pastel colored delight. Directed by senior Theatre major Emma Johnson, “Emma” follows a young woman who believes herself to be a successful matchmaker. However, the character of Emma begins to question whether or not these romantic relationships are to the benefit of her friends. The result is a witty and cheerful production which features timeless love stories. 

Serving as one of the highlights of the Theatre Department, the spring student directed productions allow seniors to pull from all of the skills they have learned and bring their own artistic vision to life. 

For many of the actors in this production, becoming familiar with the literary novel “Emma” was crucial to the creative process. “I had never read a Jane Austen novel until I read ‘Emma’ in preparation for the play. I’m glad that I ended up reading the book before auditioning, because it gave me a much deeper understanding of the characters and the plot,” said sophomore Gracie Leininger. Leininger is an English and Theatre major and plays the role of Harriet Smith. 

For sophomore Camille Beeson, who plays the role of  Emma, the first impression of her own character from the novel was not optimistic. “When I first read ‘Emma,' I actually quite disliked the character of Emma. She seemed so self conceited, controlling and manipulative,” said Beeson, “Yet, at the end of the show, Emma is truly humbled and begins to value other people as individuals instead of playthings. It has been a gift to be convicted every night in rehearsals for ‘Emma.’”

As the production prepares for a weekend of performances, the Theatre Department is excited to provide an enjoyable experience for audience members who are familiar with the works of Jane Austen. “This production will be great fun for anybody who knows and loves Jane Austen, as it brings her characters to life in a really playful and lively way,” Leininger explained, “There’s something so universal about the characters in her writing. So when they are brought to life on stage, lifelong fans can really connect to them.”

For audience members who have never had exposure to Jane Austen, this production brings a delightful story that will capture the hearts of all. “You will find yourself cheerful in the cloud pink world of Emma’s mind, astonished at the creativity in costuming and will certainly laugh at the many silly characters and their shortcomings,” said Beeson. 

“Emma” will play at the Studio Theatre on April 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m and April 27 and 28 at 2 p.m. Concordia students can reserve one free ticket by using the code CUISTU at checkout. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit cui.simpletix.com.

Tags: Theatre

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