If you’re a Jane Austen fan – and even if you’re not – then Theatre 40 is the place to be in 2024. Written and directed by Syrie James, the world premiere of JANE AUSTEN IN 89 MINUTES takes fun and frolic to new levels in this delicious comic summary of Austen’s six published novels. Besides, it includes modern-day hilarious reflections on Austen’s fame, fandom, movies, and television series – alas, too late for Austen to earn well-deserved royalties. This is not author James’ first glimpse into Austen’s life and times. She was nominated for Best Special Event in the Broadway World LA 2023 Awards for her clever comedy “Jane Austen in 48 Minutes.” And what could add to the charm of the production? Why, Jane Austen herself narrating the plots of her own writings.
Jane Austen – Picture courtesy of Theatre 40
The place is inside Jane Austen’s head, and the time line is a bit wrinkled, with present and past intermingled – but mostly around England’s Regency Era (1811-1816). A delightful Jane Austen ((Katyana Rocker-Cook) introduces her characters in chronological fashion based on the order her novels were published. That would be “Sense and Sensibility,” “Price and Prejudice,” “Mansfield Park,” “Emma,” “Northanger Abbey,” and “Persuasion.”
The cast takes on multiple – all equally hysterical – roles as principals in Austen’s books. We have four ladies assaying her beloved female characters – including Holly Sidell, Shayne Gabrielle, and Alison Blanchard as “Ladies” 1, 2, and 3 (each with her own set of duds, or at least one outstanding affectation) and three men as Austen’s Prince Charmings (or mischievous but dastardly con men) – Michael Mullen, Steven G. Frankenfield, and Todd Andrew Ball as “Gentlemen” 1, 2, and 3. With the ensemble cast of six, Austen manages to glean the highlights of her tales in roughly 10-15 minutes each, often with uproarious consequences. Especially when her characters try to highjack her stories.
Smoothly and skillfully directed by the author, JANE AUSTEN IN 89 MINUTES manages to poke good-natured and often uproarious fun at the Austen library; but she doesn’t stop there. She has costumed dozens of plays and designed and created so many Regency era outfits and accessories that she was able to costume almost the entire show from her own closet (but still thanked costume designer Michael Mullen for his advice and assistance). James is the author of 13 romance novels and is currently writing a three-book series of historical romance mysteries which will be released next year. Her immersion into the time period is delightfully evident in this production.
Kudos too to the six actors who bring the characters to life. Not only are they perfect for the several roles each plays – but they almost always managed to keep the separate people and stories straight – without a score card – as they dashed to and fro. The scenic design was also excellent, in keeping with Theatre 40’s reputation of setting just the right scene for each production. Ditto for sound and lighting. This is a must-see romp into Regency days as keenly observed and written by Jane Austen.
JANE AUSTEN IN 89 MINUTES runs through October 13, 2024, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Theatre 40 is located in the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre (Beverly Hills High School), 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. Tickets are $35. For information and reservations, call 310-364-0535 or go online.
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