This reconceived version is the result of a year-long collaboration between CMT Artistic Director Miles J. Sternfeld, Tony-nominated composer-lyricist Paul Gordon and Tony-winning book writer John Caird. The production will premiere at Tri-C East’s Simon Rose Mandel Theatre.
This revised Jane Eyre will be more intimate and ensemble-driven, with actors playing multiple roles and new songs by Gordon.
First seen on Broadway in 2000, Gordon and Caird's Jane Eyre earned five Tony nominations, including one for Best Musical. The revised production will feature direction by Sternfeld, music supervision-orchestrations by Brad Haak, choreography by Martin Céspedes, scenic design by Gabriel Firestone, costume design by Sydney Gallas, lighting design by Benjamin Gantose, sound design by Carlton Guc, and casting by Jamibeth Margolis.
“For a few years now, Paul Gordon and I have been keen to explore the possibility of creating a chamber version of our Broadway musical Jane Eyre, in order to make the show a more practical proposition for small and medium-sized theatre companies around the world,” said librettist Caird in a statement. “The process has enabled us to cut down the size of cast and orchestra and streamline the story, intensifying the emotional journey of the central characters and giving a smaller supporting cast much more to do. We are very pleased with the way the work has evolved so far and excited to see the new version prove itself in a full production in Cleveland.”
A New York reading of this revised version featured Tam Mutu (Dr. Zhivago) and Stephanie Umoh (Ragtime).
The premiere in Cleveland will feature a cast of 10 actors, a mix of Broadway and Cleveland-based artists alongside emerging young talent.
“Once we have the show exactly where we want it creatively, the next step would be to capture and stream the show to a worldwide audience,” added Gordon. “Our production in Cleveland will make these goals possible. We have a unique opportunity right now to make musical theatre affordable, accessible and sustainable. We believe that Jane Eyre can be one of the first shows to pave the way for this exciting new platform. John Caird and I are truly excited about the journey ahead and we welcome the chance to come to Cleveland and make Jane Eyre the best musical it can be.”
For more information, visit ClevelandMusicalTheatre.org.
