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My name is Gary Zidek. Welcome to The Arts Section. Tune into the radio program every Sunday morning on WDCB 90.9 & 90.7 FM or listen to it online here. I'll be showcasing a variety of arts & entertainment stories.

Musical Adaptation of EMMA Opens at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

Musical Adaptation of EMMA Opens at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s new production of EMMA.

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The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's production of EMMA.

“It’s beautifully played and sung, the four leads consist of two tenors, an alto and a mezzo-soprano, which is a very nice combination of voices.” - Jonathan Abarbanel commenting on the main voices in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s EMMA.

Emma Woodhouse (Lora Lee Gayer) flatters Frank Churchill, as the residents of Highbury enjoy a picnic in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of Emma. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.

Emma Woodhouse (Lora Lee Gayer) flatters Frank Churchill, as the residents of Highbury enjoy a picnic in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of Emma. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.

Composer Paul Gordon seems to have knack for writing music that pairs well with classic works of literature. He was nominated for a Tony Award in 2001 for his work on a Broadway production of JANE EYRE. Five years ago, Gordon won a Jeff Award for the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre production of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY that he was commissioned to write. Now Gordon and Chicago Shakespeare have come together again, to present a musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s EMMA.

Emma Woodhouse (Lora Lee Gayer, at right) meets her match in Mr. Knightley (Brad Standley) in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of Emma. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.

Emma Woodhouse (Lora Lee Gayer, at right) meets her match in Mr. Knightley (Brad Standley) in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of Emma. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.

The Dueling Critics both recommend (with some reservations) EMMA.

It’s playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre through March 15.

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