Emma
January 28
March 15, 2020
CST’s Courtyard Theater
book, music & lyrics by Paul Gordon
adapted from the novel by Jane Austen
directed by Barbara Gaines
Production Sponsors
All romance, all the time... a musical Jane Austen would have ‘much liked.’ Very enjoyable score & charmingly honest performances
Chris Jones, CHICAGO TRIBUNE / CBS2
Sumptuous! Lora Lee Gayer’s fabulous vocals deliver the goods
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
Jane Austen’s beloved novel is now a deliciously charming musical! Tony Award-nominated composer Paul Gordon and Artistic Director Barbara Gaines are reunited, following their Jeff Award-winning collaboration on Sense and Sensibility. Privileged, pampered, and preoccupied with romance, Emma Woodhouse indulges in her pastime of misguided matchmaking, but remains quite clueless when it comes to her own feelings—and a gentleman named Mr. Knightley. Lora Lee Gayer (Broadway’s Holiday Inn, Doctor Zhivago, and Follies) stars as this imperfect heroine who learns that love defies prediction. This blissfully entertaining production promises to light a spark in your heart that will warm up even the coldest Chicago winter.
WATCH & LISTEN
Video: "A beautiful night of entertainment, joy, and love"
Gallery: Emma
Video: Head Over Heels for Emma
More to Explore
Praise for Emma
Chicagoland Theater Reviews hails, "It beautifully captures the charm and romance of Austen’s original."
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Playgoer's Guide
A brief introduction to the story of Emma, including the influence of new media.
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A Note from the Composer and Lyricist
Paul Gordon explains why Jane Austen "provides the perfect bedrock for a musical."
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The Players
Creative Team
Paul Gordon Book, Music & Lyrics
Barbara Gaines Director
Jane Lanier Choreographer
Roberta Duchak Music Director
Scott Davis Scenic Designer
Mariann Verheyen Costume Designer
Donald Holder Lighting Designer
Chad Parsley Sound Designer
Richard Jarvie Wig and Make-up Designer
Brad Haak / Brian Allan Hobbs / Paul Gordon Orchestrations
Kate DeVore Dialect Coach
Kory Danielson Associate Music Director
Erin Kraft Assistant Director
Bob Mason Casting
Laura Stanczyk New York Casting
Deborah Acker Production Stage Manager
Cara Parrish Assistant Stage Manager
Kelly Montgomery Assistant Stage Manager
Alex Hare SDCF Charles Abbott Fellow
Cast
Lora Lee Gayer Emma Woodhouse
Brad Standley Mr. Knightley
Ephie Aardema Harriet Smith
Devin DeSantis Frank Churchill
Maxwell J DeTogne Ensemble
Ian Geers Robert Martin
Emily Goldberg Mrs. Bates / Ensemble
Marya Grandy Miss Bates
Dennis William Grimes Mr. Elton
Kelli Harrington Mrs. Weston
Brandy Cheyenne Miller Miss Elizabeth Martin / Ensemble
Michael Milligan Mr. Weston
Liam Quealy Ensemble
Erica Stephan Jane Fairfax
Bri Sudia Mrs. Elton
Larry Yando Mr. Woodhouse
Additional Sponsors
Music Director Roberta Duchak is the recipient of the Bob Tilles Music Chair, supported by the Gayle and Glenn R. Tilles Music Fund
Official Beverage Partner
