By Virginia Schneider
Photos by Craig Schwartz
Pasadena, CA, (The Hollywood Times), 4/16/25 – A Noise Within Co-Artistic Director Geoff Elliot has directed a spirited, tight, engrossing production of Elizabeth Williamson’s adaptation of Jane Eyre playing at A Noise Within theatre in Pasadena.
Charlotte Bronte’s legendary dark gothic classic has had so many incarnations it’s hard to believe there would be more to mine. But Williamson’s rendition starts later in the young heroine’s story, asmooth, delightful concept employing flashbacks which clearly illustrate Jane Eyre’s tragic early life.
A refreshingly clean set design by Frederica Nascimento filled with stark elegance has limited set pieces which not only fuels the moody vibe a ‘Thornfield Hall’ requires, it draws attention to the characters and their exchanges without lavish set dressings stealing focus. It also enables the actors to adroitly complete scene changes swiftly and crisply, performing their duties like servants while keeping the pace moving.
Indeed there is fervent energy from the opening minutes until curtain. Jeanne Syquia as Jane and Frederick ‘Freddie’ Stuart as Rochester are both pure perfection, captivating the audience with every line. You could hear a pin drop the audience was so enraptured. Their energy throughout is palpable and engrossing, each scene sparks with precision and passion. They engage with zeal, like stubborn cats reluctant to admit they want to play with each other.
Williamson’s text and Elliot’s fine direction find a rollicking pace which mines the humor that’s right there in the novel yet is seldom found. This production makes the most of Bronte’s dry wit and brings justice to her humor. And humor is a lovely break in this work which is so bleak.
Tricia Miller brandishes that humor brilliantly in her portrayal of Blanche Ingram, then counters it when she plays the foreboding Grace Poole. Except for Syquia and Stuart all the actors deftly play multiple roles. Deborah Strang gives rich depth to each of her characters—as a cheery Mrs. Fairfax welcoming Jane to Thornfield, as the disdainful Lady Ingram and as the bitterly cruel Mrs. Reed, one of Jane’s mightiest tormentors. Riley Shanahan masterfully executes opposing personalities playing the naïve Mason, the sincerely fervent St. John, and Jane’s beastly cousin John Reed. Julia Manis is stupendous in multiple roles, especially the eerie Bertha and Stella Bullock shines as Young Jane and Adele.
Angela Balogh Calin’s elegant, austere costumes and Tony Valdes’ stunning wigs are exquisite. Robert Oriol creates magical sound cues and music, perfectly blending nature sounds with melody. Ken Booth’s masterful lighting combined with Nascimento’s scenic design give us brilliant, brooding images.
This seamless production and its riveting performances perfectly distill Bronte’s great classic. Hurry, Jane Eyre closes April 20.
Jane Eyre remaining performances:
March 29 – April 20:
• Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7: 30 p.m. / Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
WHERE:
A Noise Within
3352 E Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
TICKETS:
• Tickets start at $51.50 (including fees)
• Student tickets start at $20
www.anoisewithin.org
(626) 356-3100
