Jane Eyre
by Paul Gordon and John Caird
Empress Theatre, 2022
Directed by Andrew Jefferies
Music Directed by Skyler Bluemel-Gines
Choreographed by Heather McDonald
Stage Managed by Michelle Hudson
Scenic Design by Leon Page
Costume Design by Kaye Lynn Wright
Lighting Design by Zac Bringhurst
Sound Design by Aaron Eatchel
Hair & Makeup Design by Cheryl Cripps
Sandwiched between Beauty and the Beast and The Sound of Music at the Empress, this production of Jane Eyre seemed fated to fade into the background. I was determined to help our show stand out by centering the story on Jane grappling with her religion and traumatic past, instead of her romance with Rochester. I staged the ensemble to be closely involved in the action, and then at the climax of the story Jane finally became aware of them - of the spirits watching over her throughout her life.