Front Row Reviewers

Sandy Arts’ World Premiere of “Emma” is the Perfect Entertainment for Valentine Month

Front Row Reviewers

Front Row Reviewers

Review By Avery Dall-Hilton, Front Row Reviewers

Jane Austen’s beloved novel Emma has been adapted several different times for both film and stage, and now, Sandy Arts Council debuts a brand-new version of the classic in world premiere production written and directed by Laura Bedore Lerwill. The timeless tale of love, friendship, and a healthy dose of misunderstanding is seamlessly translated to the stage. Bedore Lerwill preserves the romance and humor of the text, enhanced with a few changes that help the action move quickly, building moments of tension and emotional stakes. There are plenty of moments when the audience can laugh, sigh, and gasp aloud as they follow Emma’s journey from self-centered confidence to acknowledging her faults and her true feelings.

The set for this production is a showstopper. There is so much detail and extravagance to the set we can’t help but fall right into Austen’s world of 19th Century luxury. Set designer Ricky Parkinson along with set dressers Maria Fredrickson, Cassie Smith and Kelly Sternod created several sets that took my breath away with each new scene. The world of the play is perfectly designed to host the talented cast as they take the stage. Lighting Designer Rick Marston and Sound Designer Matt Mitchell create a sumptuous environment for Emma.

EmmaLee MacKay plays Emma and instantly steals the audience’s attention with her grace, charm, and that bit of smugness crucial to the character’s development. Her counterpart, Jim Dixon, perfectly inhabits the noble and at times self-righteous Mr. Knightly. The two play off each other so well, leaving us in no doubt that they will end up seeing their own folly and recognizing their feelings for one another.

Actress Rachel Johnson, playing Harriet Smith, is another delightful performance. Her bubbly energy is infectious and garners many laughs throughout the performance. Her would-be suitors Mr. Elton (Wade Flanagan) and Mr. Churchill (Cameron Churchill) enhance the humor of the show as the two gentlemen couldn’t be more different, the pompous clergyman and the roguish newcomer, but are both a delight and a great energy on stage.

Adding to the society of comedic and individualistic characters are Biz Sharp and Kate Kendrick taking on the roles of Miss Bates and Mrs. Bates/Mrs. Elton. Sharp totters about talking and laughing at themself, a true delight and a triumph of a comedic performance. They are accompanied by Kendrick as her hard of hearing mother and the obnoxious Mrs. Elton. She characterizes each character so well, giving us both the kindly old woman and the busybody wife with a hilarious laugh and personality.

The audience was charmed by the playful relationship between Emma and her father Mr. Woodhouse (Mike Brown) and their recently married governess (Megan Smyth) and her husband (Marc Reading). They make a wonderful extended family, navigating the changes in their relationships. Brown makes for a hilariously overprotective father and Smyth portrays a wonderful friend and mother figure for Emma. Rounding out the talented cast are the softer-spoken characters of Jane Fairfax (Belinda Purdum) and Robert Martin (Aiden Hughes). Purdum brings her acting talent as well as her considerable singing talent to the stage and is a joy to watch from beginning to end. Hughes plays his character with such openness and vulnerability we can’t help but root for him to get the girl. 

The actors are immaculately dressed in costumes designed by Chad McBride and millinery design by Karen Chatterton. Each character has a few distinct costumes but always maintain their character’s color. It’s a visually stunning and satisfying direction and helps maintain clarity throughout the story. The entire team of technicians and designers is to be commended for their excellent work, including the work of dialect coach Mindy Curtis. It is no small undertaking to produce a show as colorful, neat, and fluid, and each member of cast and crew pull out all the stops for this marvelous production

Don’t miss your opportunity to see this stunning performance of the classic story of Emma. This production may be a little difficult for young children to understand, but is perfect for families with older children, and could be the perfect Valentine’s date night. Support local talent and theaters wherever you live by attending live theatre!

Sandy Arts Guild presents: Emma by Jane Austen (book) adapted by Laura Bedore Lerwill.
The Theater at Mount Jordan 9351 Mountaineer Lane, Sandy, Utah 84070
January 31, February 1, 3, 7-8, 10, 14-15 
Tickets: $11-17 
Sandy Arts Guild Facebook
Photos provided by Kim Fillmore Photography.
Emma Reel one
Emma Reel two

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