The beloved, adored, and self-proclaimed charmed Emma of Jane Austen fame makes her way to the area stage, as PACT Drama brings the play “Emma” to life May 30-June 2.
While Austen opened the classic novel by saying Emma has had “very little to vex or distress her” in life, her matchmaking meddling soon leads to a series of comedic misadventures.
“I look for stories that will impact both students and audiences through their themes and characters,” PACT Drama director Anita Douglas said. “I have always loved the story of ‘Emma.’ The central character is both flawed and lovable, which speaks powerfully to human nature and how our mistakes do not disqualify us from the love and friendship that we desire.
“However, as to the selection of this specific adaptation, we performed ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Kate Hamill in 2021, and I absolutely fell in love with her writing. The way she writes her characters and brings Austen’s wit to life for a contemporary audience is so remarkable and joyful, engaging students and audiences alike! When I saw that Hamill had an adaptation of ‘Emma’ that would be debuting on the Guthrie stage in 2022, I knew I had to go see it, and I did (twice!). I instantly knew this was the right script for my students this year.
“My cast and crew includes the last two students who started with PACT Drama the same time that I did, and after years of watching and helping them grow into the wonderful, talented people that they are today, I knew this was the right production to showcase all their hard work over the years.”
Senior Raegan Anderson plays the lead Emma, whose confidence sometimes leads to mayhem, and has remained beloved into modern times.
“My favorite part about this role is her humorous timing, and upbeat energy — neither of those things are always easy to master, but when I get it right, it’s so rewarding,” Anderson said. “Emma really stands out as a character because she is so unfiltered. She is full of the energy and color one would expect of a title character, but is so flawed, relatable and honest at the same time. I think the most enjoyable part of this play to viewers will be the chemistry between the characters. We all put in a lot of work, but the most important part of what we do is build community.”
Senior Erika Ruch plays Mrs. Weston — no frills, no nonsense.
“My favorite part about Mrs. Weston is her ability to see through the fronts people put up,” Ruch said. “She’s able to see people’s true feelings. She’s not afraid to tell you plainly what she means. No fancy sentences, just ‘Get yourself together.’ This play is one you can escape into, but it’s also a place to see real people make real mistakes and still be able to grow and heal and make better choices. I know everyone will see a little piece of themselves in this show.”
It will be a historic production as well, the first in PACT’s new auditorium.
“I love this production because it is sparkling, witty, and heartfelt,” Douglas said. “The fun is infectious, and it is guaranteed to make audiences smile! It’s the kind of show that makes you feel good, and it makes you think, which is the best combination there is!
“Comedies are always so much fun, and getting to become these larger-than-life characters is always a blast. However, what I believe and hear that students enjoy most about PACT Drama is the familial atmosphere. PACT Drama is such a supportive community. I always say that performing a perfect show is great, but having a place to belong and be authentically yourself is better. Every year, it is my mission to preserve PACT Drama as a safe harbor for students, a place where they feel loved and seen. This isn’t always easy, but the love these students have for each other is palpable.
“Our cast and crew are so dedicated and passionate. I am blessed to have a group of students who want to excel in their performance, and this energy and focus is palpable at practice. I have watched them hone their craft through collaboration, experiment with comedic timing and delivery, and thoughtful thematic analysis. My students have really given this production their all, and I cannot wait to share their work with you all!”
Performances are Thursday, May 30, at 6 p.m.; Friday, May 31, at 6 p.m.; Saturday, June 1, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, June 2, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/pactemma.
Most Popular
Comments / 0