Jane Eyre in Viewmont's High School

Soon after yesterday's alert, we already have an article on Jane Eyre. The Musical in Viewmont's High School from the Deseret News.

When Brandon Pettersson, 17, heard that the next Viewmont High School production was going to be "Jane Eyre," he didn't really think anything of it.
"I had no clue what (character) I was. I haven't read the book or anything," he said.
However, in playing Edward Rochester, one of the leads in the play, Pettersson has now become an expert on the story.
"It's a good story," he said. "There's a lot of people in the cast who are a lot of fun to work with."
Community members will have the opportunity to see Pettersson and other Viewmont students in Viewmont High School's production of "Jane Eyre," which opens tonight and runs through March 17 in the school auditorium, 120 W. 1000 North, Bountiful.
Jeanne McGuire, the choir teacher at the school who is directing the production, said it's been a nine-week effort with 96 students to get everything ready. The principal characters were given their scripts to study in November, but rehearsals didn't start until after Christmas.
The story follows the main character Jane Eyre through her experiences, first at a terrible boarding school and later as she becomes a governess for the ward of Mr. Rochester, whom she falls in love with. Once it becomes apparent that the two can't marry because it's revealed that Mr. Rochester has an insane wife he keeps locked up in the attic, Jane leaves. Other events happen which might make it possible for Jane and Rochester to marry.
McGuire said she first saw the musical on Broadway in 2001, but it opened at the same time as "The Producers" and ended up being lost in the shuffle. The novel "Jane Eyre" used to be required reading but isn't anymore. Students enjoy the story, McGuire said.
"They love the story. They're excited when they find out it's been turned into a musical," she said. For those who haven't read the book, "It's a discovery by the kids of a great piece of literature," McGuire said.
Gentri Glaittli, 18, who plays Jane, said it's been a wonderful experience to be in the production.
"I love the music and the message of this whole novel. It's so inspiring, and that's probably the biggest thing a lot here have enjoyed," she said.
Glaittli said her role in the play is challenging, because Jane is onstage almost the entire play while in other productions she would have a few times offstage. However, she has enjoyed the challenge and hopes people catch the meaning of the story.
"The message of this story is that (Jane) was brave enough for love. She didn't give up so (she and Mr. Rochester) could be together," she said. "I hope people hear this (message)."
Ellen Seely, 17, plays Mrs. Fairfax, the housekeeper at Mr. Rochester's home who befriends Jane. "I'm an old lady. I think it's fun," she said. "It's kind of like the comedy relief of the show and so it's really fun. I like doing it."
Although she had already read the book, Seely said she was nervous about doing "Jane Eyre" as a musical because she hadn't heard of it being done that way before, but she still had confidence in McGuire's ability to pull it off. She said being in the play has taught her a lot.
"My favorite part has probably been learning my songs and getting to act," she said. "I've never been in an acting role before. This is more of an acting role than a singing role. I want to see what I can do to act like an old lady."
Tickets to "Jane Eyre" are $8 for adults and $5 for students. For tickets or other information, call Viewmont at 402-4200. (Tammy Walquist)

(Picture by August Miller. Source.)

Categories: Jane Eyre, Music