Lifeline Theatre presents JANE EYRE.
In 1847, Charlotte Bronte introduced the world to a modern-day heroine named Jane Eyre. A woman, who despite an abusive childhood, would thrive to become an independent and free-spirited woman. Since Jane was unorthodox for her time period, Christina Calvit gives her life an unconventional adaptation. Calvit pens the masterpiece. And Anu Bhatt (Jane) narrates Jane’s story. Bhatt does an exceptional job of moving in and out of the action. She delivers both her oration and dialogue with a matter-of-fact, even cadence. Her understated demeanor allows Calvit and Director Dorothy Milne to fill the stage with colorful characters and innovative staging.
Scenic Designer William Boles constructed a bi-level stage. Boles uses long, movable, vertical strips to line his industrial framework. The linear look functions as different structural buildings. It also provides a metaphysical ambiance as ghosts and others hover behind the metal beams. Costume Designer Jana Anderson contrasts Boles’ severity with layers of lace and crinoline. Ladies in vivid ball gowns and elegantly dressed apparitions bring a fashionable whimsy to the story.
Calvit and Milne cleverly use the talented ensemble to orchestrate a surreal vibe. They illustrate Jane being haunted by her past with three ghosts following her around. It is a powerful audio imagery as we can see and hear what’s going on in Jane’s head. As Bhatt confidently actualizes her principles, we see her past literally fade away. This isn’t Lifeline’s traditional classic goth novel staging. It’s much more imaginative than their norm. There are fanciful movements (Fight and movement director Sarah Fornace) like Joshua Moaney playing a horse or Bhatt being tossed around to show her experiences over time. These original touches make the story even more engaging.
Still, JANE EYRE is a romance and we get our love quota by the book with Bhatt and John Henry Roberts (Rochester). Roberts plays the mysterious Mr. Rochester. He delivers a more eccentric version than the brooding performances I’ve seen. His hilarious delivery is playful and odd. His peculiarity tethers to Bhatt’s own offbeat style. Their chemistry works perfectly. They aren’t the bodice-ripping lusty types. Their passionate outbursts are controlled PDAs. Their love affair is how cerebral soulmates get it on. They are charming together.
The entire production is worth swooning over. I love Jane Eyre for who she was. And I love this JANE EYRE for what it is. Lifeline is always the ideal locale for curling up with a masterpiece. It’s time to fall in love with JANE EYRE for the first time or this time. It’s an original rom-com.
Running Time: Two hours include an intermission
At Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood
Written by Charlotte Bronte
Adapted by Christina Calvit
Directed by Dorothy Milne
Thursdays, Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm
Sundays at 4pm
EXTENDED Thru November 16th
Buy Tickets at www.lifelinetheatre.com
Production photo by Suzanne Plunkett
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