Jane Eyre, the musical classic
adapted from the novel by Charlotte Bronte
Music by Suzannah Doyle
Book & Lyrics by Kristina Harris
CASTING:
9 women
6-9 men
10-14 girls (but could be done
with as few as 5-10 girls)
SET:
Premiere production used
revolve, but could be done with a simple unit set, or a black box
TYPE:
Two-act musical
MUSIC:
* Piano/Vocal score
* Orchestration for piano, clarinet: trumpet, trombone, bass, and flute.
*
Hear Sound Clips
OTHER NOTES:
Unless a large chorus is desired, this is an ensemble play. All roles
except Jane, Edward Rochester, and Mrs. Fairfax may be doubled for
chorus.
Appropriate for professional, collegiate, or amateur performers.
AVAILABILITY:
* Perusal Script and piano
vocal score upon request
* Demo CD also available
FOR PRODUCTION RIGHTS &
MATERIALS, CONTACT:
Kristina Harris at
kriswrite@aol.com
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY:
Public Reading 03/01
Invitation-Only Reading 02/02
Premiere Production 12/03
The Cottage Theatre,
Cottage Grove, Oregon
SYNOPSIS
Based upon the beloved novel by Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre is an
orphan—penniless and plain, but full of passion and courage. When she
meets her employer, Mr. Edward Rochester, the two become enmeshed in an
intense relationship. But Rochester has a secret—a secret that threatens
his love affair with Jane and jeopardizes her very life. Set in the
1830s-40s. Accents are not required.
THE CAST
Women:
* JANE EYRE: The poor, plain, but head-strong
governess of Adele. Must appear to be in her early 20s on the stage.
* MRS. REED: A severe woman in her 40s-50s.
* BESSIE: The Reed's kind hearted Irish nursemaid.
MISS SCRATCHERD: A teacher at Lowood.
MRS. FAIRFAX: A kindly lady, aged 40s-60s. She is warm, but tends to
babble. She carries a definite, though unintentional, sense of humor.
GRACE POOLE: A servant of dubious background.
* BLANCHE INGRAM: A fashionable young woman in her 20s. She is witty,
clever, talented--and shrewd.
MRS. INGRAM: Blanche’s mother, equally clever and shrewd, and attractive
in her own right.
* BERTHA MASON: A violently insane woman in her 30s-40s.
Men:
DR. LLOYD: The Reed’s physician.
MR. BROCKLEHURST: The unkind clergyman running Lowood School.
* EDWARD ROCHESTER: The Master of Thornfield Hall. He is a tortured,
often cynical man, with many secrets. Should be about late 30s-40s.
MR. MASON: A man from Mr. Rochester’s past.
MR. BRIGGS: Mr. Mason’s solicitor.
* JOHN RIVERS: A young clergyman completely devoted to his work.
Children:
* YOUNG JANE EYRE: An orphan about 10 years old.
JAKE REED: The disagreeable son of Mrs. Reed, about 10-12 years old.
This role may be played by a girl, who doubles as a Lowood girl.
* HELEN BURNS: A sickly student at Lowood, 10 to 14 years old.
ADELE VARENS: A French girl of about 10, ward of Mr. Rochester. (Doubles
as a Lowood girl.)
LOWOOD GIRLS: Aged 7–13; these girls also appear in other small roles
throughout the play
* Denotes a character who sings solos.
Isn't There Another Jane Eyre musical? Quiz