Jane Austen's "EMMA" - a musical by Paul Gordon - AFD Theatre (Arlington, MA.) - REVIEW
(Cover Photo: Rachel Stigers as “Emma Woodhouse,” Victor Brandalise as "Mr. Woodhouse" and Betsy Flowers as “Harriet Smith,” in a scene from Paul Gordon's musical adaptation of Jane Austen's "EMMA" at AFD Theatre in Arlington, MA. until June 22, 2025. Photo Credit: Leslie Maiocca)
By Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMAG Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
“Tell me if I might have any reason to hope of you ever returning my love."
- ("Mr. Knightly") / Paul Gordon, Jane Austen
Arlington Friends of the Drama/AFD Theatre
Presents the Musical Adaptation of Jane Austen's
"EMMA"
Book, Music and Lyrics by Paul Gordon
Based on the novel by Jane Austen
Directed by Eric Roberts
Music Director Matt Putnam
Choreographer Jill Tokac
Cast Includes: Rachel Stigers as “Emma Woodhouse,” Paul Spanagel as “Mr. Knightley,” Betsy Flowers as “Harriet Smith,” Victor Brandalise as “Mr. Woodhouse,” Hannah Beth Lucero as “Miss Bates,” Madison Sedlor as “Mrs. Bates (U/S Harriet),” Clara Haymon as “Jane Fairfax,” David Kleinman as “Mr. Elton,” Patricia Kopko as “Mrs. Elton,” Julia Stoddard as “Miss Elizabeth Martin (U/S & Emma),” Ian Flynn as “Mr. Weston,” Amanda Oloughlin as “Mrs. Weston,” Declan Geoffrion Scannell as “Frank Churchill,” Brad Smith as “Robert Martin (U/S Mr Knightly).”
Additional Creative Team:
Production Managers - Sandy Armstrong, Phyllis Uloth; Stage Manager – Monica Bruno; Assistant Stage Manager – Allison Rollings; Set Designers – Eric Roberts, Charlie Carr; Set Tech – Charlie Carr; Set Crew – Charlie Carr, Ralph Clifford, Audrey Ellis, David Klienman, Ken Livak, Shayna Loeffler, Keith O’Boyle, Eric Roberts, Ken Theriault, David Warnock, Ginger Webb, Hayley Whelan; Costume Design – Katie Touart; Hair and Make-up – Karen Burum; Lighting Design – Iain Bason, David H. Silber; Sound Design – Eric Roberts; Sound Operators – Nancy Stafford, Kevin McCourt; Props and Set Dressing – Ange Fiorese; Stage Crew – Nathan Prosperi, Allison Rollings.
Performances:
June 6, 2025 through June 22, 2025
(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)
AFD THEATRE, 22 Academy Street, Arlington, MA. 02476
TICKETS:
For more information or tickets, contact AFD THEATRE at www.afdtheatre.org/buy-tickets or by calling the box office at # 781-646-5922 or emailing boxoffice@afdtheatre.org.
BUY TICKETS
COVID 19 PROTOCOLS
Contact Venue for Most Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Information.
(Warning: The following review contains spoilers)
Arlington Friends of the Drama (aka AFD Theatre) presents a colorful, vibrant production of Paul Gordon’s musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel "EMMA."
Filled with lots of humor, the musical romp follows the exploits and relationships of folks from a small number of families.
Austen's novel "EMMA" was first published in 1815 with the story set in the fictional village of “Highbury” in the second decade of the 19th Century (known as the “Regency Period”).
However, unlike his brilliant straightforward musical take with Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre,” Gordon’s adaptation for "EMMA" stipulates the following option in the libretto notes:
“…it’s conceivable that the piece could work equally as well in a Mid-Century-Modern style. If this period is preferred, the only change in the script is the word ‘carriage’ to ‘car.’”
Directed by Eric Roberts, the Mid-Century-Modern approach has been taken with the AFD Theatre production and which will most likely immediately take some off guard.
The talented cast give their best effort but placing the story of "EMMA" in Mid-Century-Modern, with a set design and costuming reminiscent of an “I Love Lucy” episode, simply will not work for many fans of the story.
There are numerous references made to length of travel between destinations and/or ongoing lengthy correspondences between characters.
Yet, if a horse and buggy are supposedly replaced by cars, would not the postal service, telephones and air travel also not be available?
None of these more modern conveniences are acknowledged nor reflected in Gordon’s script.
Beyond this, Gordon’s score itself also is a little bit quirky at times, as well.
Like the show's opener, some musical numbers abruptly end, not leaving the audience with a clear indication that the song HAS ended and thus, leaving the audience not knowing how to (nor IF they should) respond.
Thankfully, Austen’s story and especially her essential characters are well represented by the strong AFD Theatre cast.
Austen, also renowned for "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility" wrote "EMMA" as a lighthearted story, which Austen herself dubbed a “comedy of manners.”
Like her other efforts, "EMMA" delves deep into the anxieties and complications of sophisticated women living in an earlier era associated with British aristocracy and cultural refinement.
(Photo: Rachel Stigers as “Emma Woodhouse" with Paul Spanagel as “Mr. Knightley,” in a scene from Paul Gordon's musical adaptation of Jane Austen's "EMMA" at AFD Theatre in Arlington, MA. until June 22, 2025. Photo Credit: Leslie Maiocca)
Our heroine is EMMA Woodhouse (Rachel Stigers), a smart, single woman of means with a happy disposition, but who seems extremely adept at meddling into the affairs of others when she should best remain removed.
Yet, meddle she does and as she does, EMMA becomes increasingly aware of her own life and feelings for those closest to her.
Stigers dominates as EMMA presenting her as unabashedly headstrong and arrogant but with a genuine interest in those close to her…especially those unattached which, according to EMMA, is unacceptable.
After a recent matchmaking success, EMMA suddenly sees herself as a matchmaking wunderkind.
She isn’t. She really isn’t, and the events that follow bear this out.
As a result of her meddling in other people's lives EMMA lets her imagination lead her astray, especially when it comes to the supposed object of her own desire, Frank Churchill (Declan Geoffrion Scannell), a wealthy family acquaintance.
EMMA forges ahead with her new matchmaking interest against the advice of her closest friend Mr. Knightley (Paul Spanagel), whose brother is married to EMMA's elder sister, Isabella (Note: Yes - it IS a bit confusing).
EMMA attempts to match her new friend, Harriet (Betsy Flowers), to Mr. Elton (David Kleinman), the social-climbing local vicar – even though Harriet has been smitten by Mr. Robert Martin (Brad Smith), a local farmer who wouldn’t even be allowed in the Woodhouse estate’s front entrance.
Kleinman provides many humorous moments as Elton while Flowers as Harriet instantly becomes the one whose love story with Farmer Martin is the one for which the audience ultimately “roots.”
The affectionate interactions between Flowers and Smith come across as genuine and sweet.
And yet, EMMA persuades Harriet to refuse a marriage proposal from Robert and maneuvers her to keep away from him, to protect her “station” in society.
(Photo: The CAST of Paul Gordon's musical adaptation of Jane Austen's "EMMA" at AFD Theatre in Arlington, MA. until June 22, 2025. Photo Credit: Leslie Maiocca)
In a madcap series of misunderstandings, Mr. Elton believes EMMA to be in love with him and proposes to her.
EMMA rejects him, having her own sights set upon Frank Churchill who supposedly lives a carefree existence - but in reality, Churchill is secretly engaged to EMMA's social competition, Jane Fairfax (Clara Haymon).
Haymon delights as Jane, who is a beautiful, bright, and elegant woman, talented at singing and playing the piano - a true rival to EMMA in every way.
Therefore, EMMA maneuvers Jane toward Mr. Knightley, who begins to realize his own feelings toward EMMA.
Scannell is thoroughly disarming as the charismatic Churchill, who struggles to ensure his engagement to Jane remains concealed.
Spanagel gives an exceptional performance as Knightley, who battles against EMMA yet soon realizes his affections toward her.
Going along with the Mid-Century-Modern approach, one might even see a “Lucy-Desi” relationship blossoming between the couple.
EMMA soon learns her perceived prowess in the area of love is far less accurate once her matchmaking meddling results in far more dire consequences for all concerned.
There are many backstories to the various characters from the original novel which, for the sake of time and Gordon’s musical adaptation, have been omitted or greatly reduced to passing references in the libretto.
(Photo: Rachel Stigers as “Emma Woodhouse,” Betsy Flowers as “Harriet Smith,” Brad Smith as “Robert Martin” and Julia Stoddard as “Miss Elizabeth Martin” in a scene from Paul Gordon's musical adaptation of Jane Austen's "EMMA" at AFD Theatre in Arlington, MA. until June 22, 2025. Photo Credit: Leslie Maiocca)
While the Mid-Century-Modern approach taken feels misguided, it does not mean the production is done poorly.
Quite the contrary, in fact.
The AFD Theatre production of "EMMA" is done QUITE well, especially impressing in the complex areas of set design and costuming (which includes an insane number of wigs utilized by both women and men in the cast).
The curtain does not open fully, therefore creating some occasional sightline issues, especially on stage right when any large gatherings by the ensemble is obscured.
Under the musical direction of Matt Putnam, who also plays keyboard and conducts, the impressive band for the performances is situated on the upper level of the stage.
As mentioned earlier, the opening few minutes of the score meanders a bit - but soon, through the strength of Jane Austen’s original characters supplemented by many pleasant tunes provided by Gordon, we soon begin to become completely invested in what happens.
Some musical highlights include Spanagel rendering the show’s title song, "EMMA"; and Stigers with Flowers on “Stranger Things Have Happened” and Stigers with Scannell singing “This is How Love Feels.”
(Photo: Rachel Stigers as “Emma Woodhouse,” Victor Brandalise as "Mr. Woodhouse" and Betsy Flowers as “Harriet Smith,” in a scene from Paul Gordon's musical adaptation of Jane Austen's "EMMA" at AFD Theatre in Arlington, MA. until June 22, 2025. Photo Credit: Leslie Maiocca)
Paul Gordon’s musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s EMMA continues in Arlington, MA. until June 22nd, 2025 and concludes a spectacular 2024-2025 season by AFD Theatre.
AFD Theatre has also announced their 2025-2026 season which includes:
“TRIUMPH OF LOVE”
Music by Jeffrey Stock
Lyrics by Susan Birkenhead
Book by James Magruder
Directed by Paul Murphy
Dates: September, 2025
AGATHA CHRISTIE’S “SPIDER’S WEB”
Directed by John Pease
Dates: December, 2025
“ONCE ON THIS ISLAND”
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Directed by Michelle Aguillon
Dates: March, 2026
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S “LITTLE WOMEN”
Adapted by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by David Warnock
Dates: May, 2026
For more information or tickets, contact AFD THEATRE at www.afdtheatre.org/buy-tickets or by calling the box office at # 781-646-5922 or emailing boxoffice@afdtheatre.org.
BUY TICKETS
Approximately two hours, 30 minutes with one intermission.
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
Jane Austen’s adored heroine gets the musical treatment in "EMMA" from acclaimed composer and lyricist Paul Gordon (“Daddy Long Legs,”“Jane Eyre”).
For centuries, "EMMA" has charmed and delighted readers - and now she does so onstage.
With the option of setting the show either in the Regency Era or mid-century modern, "EMMA" is truly a timeless tale of love, making mistakes, and holding yourself accountable.
A carefree woman, "EMMA" has "the very best blessings of existence" with "very little to vex or distress me."
"EMMA" is also a self-proclaimed matchmaker who thinks too highly of her abilities.
When her attempts at matchmaking and romance go awry, "EMMA" has to face herself and the people she has hurt.
"EMMA" is full of wit and charm.
See for yourself why everyone is falling in love with ”EMMA”. (MTI)
ABOUT ARLINGTON FRIENDS OF THE DRAMA/AFD THEATRE
ARLINGTON FRIENDS OF THE DRAMA, now known as AFD THEATRE, was founded in 1923 and is one of the ten oldest continually operating community theatre groups in the country. Now located in the former St. John's Episcopal Church, which has been extensively updated and made handicap-accessible. AFD THEATRE is among the finest area playhouses for actors, directors, production designers and audiences to produce and enjoy live theatre.
About AFD THEATRE Seasons
AFD THEATRE puts on four productions: two musicals and two straight plays. AFD THEATRE holds auditions months ahead, and rehearse evenings and weekends. AFD THEATRE welcomes you to join the fun: help build sets, make costumes, do lights. Usher or sell concessions. AFD THEATRE is a community endeavor that seeks to engage all ages in the fun and exciting act of putting on a play!
22 Academy Street
Arlington, MA. 02476
# 781-646-5922
