Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical
—
Book, Lyrics, and Music by
Paul Gordon
Based on the novel by
Jane Austen
Directed by
Casey Long
Music Directed by
Lex Leigh
Awards and Recognition
- OCTG Recommended
- OCR Recommended
- Stage Raw Recommended
Reviewer Quotes
Broadway World Los Angeles
“ 'It would not be wrong to be in love…with this musical' (–and you most assuredly will be!) ”
Broadway Stars
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Executive Producer
In Memory of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar
Associate Producer
Samuel & Tammy Tang
Executive Season Producer
Bette & Wylie Aitken
Associate Season Producer
The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar
On the Cripe Stage…
Jane Austen’s enduring love story is brought to life as a romantic-comedy musical. The story revolves around Emma, a well-meaning, but disaster-prone matchmaker, who ignores her own romantic feelings while setting out to find a suitor for her friend Harriet. Her efforts go awry, of course, leading to comic complications. We invite you to fall in love again with one of Jane Austen’s most adored characters, featuring an intelligent and buoyant score from Tony-nominated composer Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre).
“lovely, sweet, and has just enough tartness to keeping it all from getting too sticky to enjoy… a wonderfully charming alternative to the holiday themed shows out around this time.”Broadway World: San Diego
“I couldn’t have loved it more.”StageSceneLA
“Engrossing”Orange County Register
“flawless ‘Emma’ is a must-see… brims with effervescence and wit”Voice of OC
“I could not stop smiling… Sublime”Broadway World: Los Angeles
Community Partner
Show artwork designed by KC Wilkerson, kcwdigital.com.
IN PERFORMANCE
Mandy Foster in “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Benjamin Busch from the 2018 production.
Mandy Foster and Jeff Lowe in “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Benjamin Busch from the 2018 production.
Sadie Alexander and Luc Clopton in “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Doug Catiller.
Mandy Foster, Blake Rhiner, Jonathon Lamer, and Elisabeth Hunter in “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Doug Catiller.
Davide Costa and the cast of “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Doug Catiller.
The cast of “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Doug Catiller.
Glenn Koppel and Jeff Lowe in “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Benjamin Busch from the 2018 production.
The cast of “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Doug Catiller.
Cynthia C. Espinoza and Davide Costa in “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Doug Catiller.
The cast of “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Doug Catiller.
Deva Marie Gregory and Mandy Foster in “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Doug Catiller.
Jonathon Lamer and Elisabeth Hunter in “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Doug Catiller.
Glenn Koppel and Jeff Lowe in “Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical” at Chance Theater. Playing November 29 – December 22, 2024 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photo by Doug Catiller.
DESIGN PREVIEW PARTY & FIRST READ THROUGH
PAST PRODUCTIONS
Mandy Foster as Emma in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Mandy Foster as Emma and Jeff Lowe as Mr. Knightley in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Zoya Martin as Harriet Smith and Kristofer Buxton as Robert Martin in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Mandy Foster as Emma and Coleton Ray as Mr. Elton in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Glenn Koppel as Mr. Woodhouse and Jeff Lowe as Mr. Knightley in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Megan McCarthy as Jane Fairfax, Gavin Cole as Frank Churchill, and Kristofer Buxton as Robert Martin in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Kristofer Buxton as Robert Martin and Zoya Martin as Harriet Smith in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Carlene O’Neill as Mrs. Elton and Coleton Ray as Mr. Elton in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Sherry Domerego as Mrs. Bates and Shannon Page as Miss Bates in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Coleton Ray as Mr. Elton (center) in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Glenn Koppel as Mr. Woodhouse and Shannon Page as Miss Bates in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Mandy Foster as Emma and Jeff Lowe as Mr. Knightley in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Shannon Page as Miss Bates, Sherry Domerego as Mrs. Bates, Gavin Cole as Frank Churchill, and Mandy Foster as Emma in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Glenn Koppel as Mr. Woodhouse and Shannon Page as Miss Bates in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
Lulu Mack as Mrs. Weston and Robin Walton as Mr. Weston in the regional premiere of Paul Gordon’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma, The Musical”
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Join us before and after the performance for a happy hour and get to know our community partners. Schedule is subject to change. Friday, December 13 starting at 7:00 PM.- 7:00 PM - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour drinks. Be sure to meet our Community Partners!
- 8:00 PM - Emma, the Musical begins! We can't wait for you to see this performance!
- 10:30 PM - Participate in a post-show conversation with the Cast and our Community Partner.
- 10:45 PM - Don't leave just yet! We have a second round of bites and drinks.
- 11:30 PM - Last call! The event comes to an end.
Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center
Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92807
Venue Amenities
- Full-Service Bar
- Free Parking
- Conveniently Located
See the show? Share your experience with us...
At a Glance
- Upcoming Performances
- Approximate Running Time:
- 2 hours, 30 minutes with intermission
- Special Notes:
-
- Photos with the cast after each performance
- Join us for Opening Night as a Gold Member.
- Babes in arms and children under 4 are not permitted.
- 30% off for groups of 10 or more.
- Pay-What-You-Can Preview Performances
- Free, Convenient Parking
I like the intimate settings, and courteous help from the box office. I have to change my ticket reservations more often than I would like, and the staff have been very helpful with that. I like the high quality of the plays chosen and the professionalism of the performers. My hearing aids help me a lot, especially if I get there early enough to adjust the equalizers in them. I miss about 10% of the dialog, but that’s not your fault. The cast diction is usually very good. BTW the pianist you had for Emma on Sunday at 3 was fabulous!
I brought two friends who were new to Chance Theater and they both loved it. It was so well staged, such great acting…. Special kudos to the piano player. It was brilliant. Some of the voices were fine but not insanely lyrical.
If they want total enjoyment, Chance is the place. Oh, and chairs are really comfy!!!! Emma was such a clever mix of thoughtfulness and arrogance! The role was perfectly done. I enjoyed her bit of whimsy by brief looks toward the audience!!!
Talented performances & witty production. Liked the 3:00 pm time, made it easier for me to attend. Really enjoyed this fun take on Jane Austen
The star, Emma, was excellent, and carried the show, all supporting roles were excellent.
Great acting, singing, music and story.
The acting in the performance was outstanding, bringing the story to life with incredible intensity. The live music enhanced the emotional impact, creating a captivating atmosphere. The main character, Emma, delivered a fantastic performance that truly resonated with the audience. The boutique theater itself added to the charm of the evening, creating an intimate space where every detail could be appreciated. Our entire family thoroughly enjoyed the experience, making it a memorable outing for all of us. We are excited to return!
The music was really good, the staging was terrific and the acting and singing were good too. I was seated off to the far side, but that didn’t matter because I could see everything well.
It was a good show. Great cast, good script, a fun outing.
Great production, friendly staff and well worth the price.
I don’t have anyone to tell, but if I did, I would recommend it! I’ve seen at least three other productions of this show, and this was by far the most enjoyable! The performers embodied their characters and knew how to convey the brilliant humor creator Paul Gordon has written into the script and music.
Very well done. Cast was fantastic. Funny and engaging the whole time.
It was a fantastic show! The singing, the music, the costumes, the acting were all outstanding!! Worthy of a Broadway performance and tour in an intimate venue!!! Everything worked well to bring laughter, tears, and fun times to the audience. It was a great idea to bring the audience up to the stage to interact with the actors and musician before heading out. Moments like that will last.
Amazing cast, great theater. Seeing Deva Marie was so cool! Was a student of hers for voice acting, so it was a wonderful surprise. I hope she is in future performances!
Great acting, funny musical, supporting local theater. Hilarious. I would buy an audio recording if you made one.
I Loved it! The actors had amazing voices and were funny & engaging! It was Perfect! Loved the costumes, voices, comic element, amazing!
The acting and singing were great.
This is one of the funniest and most delightful musical I’ve seen in a long time~~ have recommended it to several friends. Each member of the cast was amazing ~~ especially loved the very subtle facial expressions that each one used. Also felt that their voices were excellent.
It was cute. Well executed. Entertaining. Better than I expected it would be.
Good singing, cohesive and uplifting
It was phenomenal and the singing was great and the people were nice to look at and funny
Appealing to families at the holiday season
Jane Austen’s EMMA is a classic and the play’s adaptation from the novel was very well done. The lyrics and music made the novel animated and joyous. As a director, Casey Long opened up a world from 200 years ago, and we have certainly come a very long way. This was the so-called “Great Chain of Being,” where you were essentially stuck into the “class” you were born into. Glenn Koppel as Mr. Woodhouse claimed vociferously ” I don’t like change,” which reminded the audience of how it was back then and Emma’s message should remind us rather that change is good, change is necessary. The new “Great Chain of Being,” is not the chain, but the being; the opportunity to be who we want to be. EMMA was entertaining, but the CHANCE presented to us once again yet another play to ponder and learn from.
I thought I didn’t need to see it bc I saw it a few years ago at Chance. But it was lovely, confidant and fresh. Great performances!
The whole cast was amazing and all staff was friendly!
Good performers especially singing voices and a familiar story
The show was great — fun, funny, and everyone performing was very talented. I loved the intimacy and casual/welcoming vibe of the theater. I drove from San Diego to see my friend performing in the show and it was totally worth it!
Strong vocals and acting! Enjoyable night.
it was an amazing performance, the theater is fantastic, super upgraded and seems new.
Excellent show and cast.