Overview
Based on the novel by Jane Austen
Emma Woodhouse is clever, educated, and energetic… and in imminent danger of going mad with idleness. In a time when respectable ladies are expected to sit quietly at home, she desperately needs projects—and prides herself on matchmaking, much to the chagrin of her friend Mr. Knightley. But where Emma’s considerable energies focus, screwball comedy follows… A fresh feminist take on a treasured classic, this Emma breaks down convention, expectation, and even the fourth wall with vibrant comic flair—leading audiences “forward, onward, and upward!”
ISBN: 978-1-63852-160-0
Casting & Production
Casting
Women
EMMA — Late 20s-30s. Almost unbelievably charming; a natural comedienne. Bouncily flirty; possesses more power of manipulation than even she understands; has a certain sunny, charming self-regard — it’s what allows her to get away with so much.
HARRIET SMITH — 20s. A deeply likable girl from the lower classes, who’s been given a basic education. A sweet, naturally affectionate human being, but not the brightest flame in the stove.
MRS. WESTON — Mid 30s-late 40s. Emma’s former governess. A very smart woman with a good sense of humor; very perceptive and grounded. Not afraid to tell it like it is.
MISS BATES — 40s+. Headmistress of a struggling school for girls. An incredibly good-natured, if motor-mouthed and daft, woman.
ANE FAIRFAX — 20s-30s. You know that girl who always seems to do everything right? Jane is that girl. An overachiever. Very composed. Very beautiful. Very discreet. Very accomplished. Very smart.
MRS. ELTON — 20-30s. Not bright. What’s more, she has a laugh that’s the auditory equivalent of nails being torn out of your fingers. Is delighted by everything. Her libido is…. quite active.
Men
MR. KNIGHTLEY — 30s-40s. A handsome man; a super charming man; an upright fellow. He’s also a bit of a rule-follower; maybe sometimes a bit of a stick in the mud.
MR. WOODHOUSE — 60s+. An over-anxious, melancholy hypochondriac, but people humor him, as he’s a nice man under it all. Obsessed with the healing powers of gruel.
MR. ELTON — Any age. A clergyman who sometimes gets the wrong idea. ADORES poetry. A born social climber. Fancies himself a great romantic.
FRANK CHURCHILL — 20s-30s. An incredibly charming, handsome, mischievous flirt of a man—the kind of man who gets away with almost everything, because he’s so irresistible. Not a bad guy, really; just a bit too likable for his own good. Ladies love him.
Setting
Highbury, England, the early 19th century—but also here, in your
theater, right now, today, this year.
