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.

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.

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

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