An improbable beach read

Broadway World reviews Theatre Raleigh's production of Jane Eyre the Musical.

Starring as the title character is Julie Benko. That’s right, one of Broadway’s biggest breakout stars in recent years is leading a local production here in the Triangle area. She got her big break as the standby for Fanny Brice in the most recent revival of Funny Girl and went on to originate the role of Ruth in Barry Manilow & Bruce Sussman’s short-lived musical, Harmony. Here, she is absolutely sublime as Jane Eyre. She’s almost never offstage, and carries the whole thing very well. Matt Bogart gives an emotionally strong performance as Edward Rochester. His relationship with Jane has quite an arc. I thought both he and Benko really nailed it.

This production has a cast of 11 people overall, most of whom are playing multiple roles. Highlights include Chanda Branch as Bertha Mason, a mad woman kept in the attic of Thornfield; Stacia Fernandez as Mrs. Reed, Jane’s maternal aunt, and Mrs. Fairfax, the housekeeper at Thornfield; Ella Frederickson as Helen Burns, Jane’s best friend at Lowood, and Bessie, the nursemaid at Gateshead Hall; Rob Hancock as Mr. Brocklehurst, the owner of Lowood, and a young clergyman named St. John Rivers; Elliot Lane as Jane’s Father and a well educated man named Richard Mason; Ada Maine, who’s especially quite sophisticated as both Young Jane and Adèle, a little french girl at Thornfield; Anne Scaramuzzo as Scatcherd, a teacher at Lowood, and Grace Poole, Bertha Mason’s nurse; Tedd Szeto as Jane’s cousin, John, and Robert, the butler at Thornfield; and Soraiah Williams as Jane’s Mother and Blanche Ingram, a young socialite whom Rochester plans to marry.

I found a lot to like about and relate to with Jane Eyre. Paul Gordon’s score is haunting, brought to life by an impressive seven-piece orchestra. Countless moments took my breath away. I also teared up a few times. This production especially does some of the best of what Theatre Raleigh has to offer. Presenting shows a number of people aren’t too familiar with in a small, but effective way. Do your best to see this in person if you can. Although if you’re unable to, a live capture will be taking place at the final performance on June 9th, which will then be released to the public at a later date. (Jeffrey Kare)

That last bit sounds great.

According to Savoir Flair, Wuthering Heights is--quite incredibly--one of '7 perfect beach reads'.

Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights

Recommended by: Haleh Nia, Founder and Editor-in-Chief

Earlier this month, I was on a work trip in London when I made my first-ever visit to the storied Notting Hill Bookshop, an iconic spot immortalized by (you guessed it) the film that shares its name. While there, I couldn't resist the allure of the beautifully covered classic books. Yes, I admit to judging these books by their covers — but I’m all the better for it because I brought home several literary masterpieces penned by female authors. Among them, my standout favorite is Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights.

Despite having previously read its pages, rediscovering Brontë’s only published novel felt like uncovering a rare gem in familiar terrain. The story, set against the bleak and brooding moors of Yorkshire, spins a tale of intense, almost ferocious love between the enigmatic Heathcliff and the spirited Catherine Earnshaw. The novel explores themes of passion, revenge, and the destructive force of love that can span generations.

The experience reminded me that returning to a classic can be as exhilarating as it is comforting. Wuthering Heights’ dark complexities and haunting narrative feel endlessly modern, proving that, like the wild moors of Yorkshire, some stories are truly timeless. 

Brussels Brontë Blog tells about a recent guided walk led by historian Christophe Loir.