FHU Theatre presents Jane Austen’s “Emma” with a playful 1960s twist Nov. 5-7.
A classic Jane Austen novel is getting a modern makeover as FHU Theatre offers a 1960s-inspired take on the matchmaking romantic comedy “Emma.” Presented during Freed-Hardeman University’s Homecoming Week, “Emma” will delight audiences Nov. 5-7 at 7 p.m. in Dryden Auditorium. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at fhutickets.com.
“‘Emma’ is a classic Jane Austen novel about matchmaking and misunderstandings, but our production adds a ’60s twist that I think makes it especially fun,” said the show’s director, Dr. Cliff Thompson. “It’s not often that you get to mix go-go boots with Regency England, but we think the ’60s vibe fits nicely into Emma’s early 1800s world.”
This adaptation, written by Kate Hamill, brings one of Austen’s best-loved characters into the 20th century using fresh, contemporary language and frequent moments when Emma speaks directly to the audience. Even those unfamiliar with the original novel may recognize elements of the story, as it also inspired the 1995 movie “Clueless.”
“The story features a young woman who is very intelligent but really quite clueless about the people and the relationships around her,” Thompson said. “The play is full of mistaken love interests, parties where things go wrong and larger-than-life characters.”
The titular role of Emma is being played by JoAnna Burrow, a local homeschooled high school senior who is also a dual enrollment student at Freed-Hardeman. Burrow is no stranger to the world of Austen, having previously played the role of Elizabeth Bennet in Chester County High School’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
“I love playing Emma because she’s very complicated,” Burrow said. “You kind of get to grow with the character as she learns about herself. And she’s not too afraid to say what she’s thinking, which is very similar to me sometimes!”
While the characters and themes will be familiar to Austen fans, this adaptation will be far from a traditional period production. The costumes, set and music have all been reimagined with a bright 1960s aesthetic. Regency-style dresses feature colorful fabrics and ’60s accessories, while the dancing blends traditional Regency steps with popular moves of the era.
Senior Levi Secula, a theatre performance and interactive digital design major from Franklin, Kentucky, has appeared in several FHU Theatre productions during his time as a student, often playing bold, larger-than-life characters. As Mr. Knightley, Emma’s longtime friend and eventual love interest, Secula enjoys the opportunity to explore a different kind of role.
Freshman Keely Hobgood, a communications and theatre major from Lebanon, Tennessee, plays Harriet Smith, a young woman whom Emma takes under her wing. Although Hobgood had previously read the novel and watched a film adaptation, she said it was this production’s fresh approach that caught her attention.
The production of “Emma” is part of Freed-Hardeman University’s Homecoming Week, which celebrates the university’s students, alumni and traditions.
